Systems and methods for controlling electronic gaming machine usage

ABSTRACT

An electronic gaming system is described. The electronic gaming system includes a management server including a processor and a memory device storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive player identification data and game data. The instructions also cause the processor to request and receive, based upon the player identification data and from a player tracking server, player data associated with the player account, cause display, on a host device associated with a casino host, of at least a portion of the player data and the game data, and determine that the EGM should be disabled for a predetermined amount of time. The instructions further cause the processor to cause display of a message indicating that the EGM will be disabled and disable the EGM for the predetermined amount of time.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.62/985,649, filed Mar. 5, 2020, U.S. Patent Application No. 63/020,968,filed May 6, 2020, and Australian Patent Application No. 2020244426,filed Sep. 29, 2020, which claims priority to Australian PatentApplication No. 2020901297, filed Apr. 24, 2020, each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field of disclosure relates generally to electronic gaming, and morespecifically to systems and methods for controlling electronic gamingmachine (EGM) usage.

BACKGROUND

Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a varietyof wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjackgames, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types ofgames that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Playon EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance byinputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing amonetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of aninstance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In some cases, aplayer may qualify for a special mode of the base game, a secondarygame, or a bonus round of the base game by attaining a certain winningcombination or triggering event in, or related to, the base game, orafter the player is randomly awarded the special mode, secondary game,or bonus round. In the special mode, secondary game, or bonus round, theplayer is given an opportunity to win extra game credits, game tokens orother forms of payout. In the case of “game credits” that are awardedduring play, the game credits are typically added to a credit metertotal on the EGM and can be provided to the player upon completion of agaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.”

“Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form ofvarious symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specificmatching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines)through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The displaytypically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for identification bythe player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards areusually shown in a “pay-table” which is available to the player forreference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differingnumbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying thewager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winningcombinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amountawarded.

Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determinethe outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certainpercentage of the amount wagered back to the player over the course ofmany plays or instances of the game, which is generally referred to asreturn to player (RTP). The RTP and randomness of the RNG ensure thefairness of the games and are highly regulated. Upon initiation of play,the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selectedwhich correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include anelement of skill on the part of the player and are therefore notentirely random.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, an electronic gaming system is described. The electronicgaming system includes a management server including a processor and amemory device storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions,when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive, from anelectronic gaming machine (EGM), player identification data and gamedata, wherein the player identification data identifies a player accountof a player at an EGM and the game data includes an indication of anelectronic game being played at the EGM. The instructions also cause theprocessor to request and receive, based upon the player identificationdata and from a player tracking server, player data associated with theplayer account, the player data including prior game data associatedwith the player account, cause display, on a host device associated witha casino host, of at least a portion of the player data and the gamedata, and determine that the EGM should be disabled for a predeterminedamount of time. The instructions further cause the processor to causedisplay, on at least one of the EGM and a player device associated withthe player account, of a message indicating that the EGM will bedisabled and disable the EGM for the predetermined amount of time.

In another aspect, a method for controlling electronic gaming machine(EGM) usage, the method being performed on a management server includinga processor and a memory device storing computer-readable instructions,is described. The method includes receiving, from an electronic gamingmachine (EGM), player identification data and game data, wherein theplayer identification data identifies a player account of a player at anEGM and the game data includes an indication of an electronic game beingplayed at the EGM. The method also includes requesting and receiving,based upon the player identification data and from a player trackingserver, player data associated with the player account, the player dataincluding prior game data associated with the player account, causingdisplay, on a host device associated with a casino host, of at least aportion of the player data and the game data, and determining that theEGM should be disabled for a predetermined amount of time. The methodfurther includes causing display, on at least one of the EGM and aplayer device associated with the player account, of a messageindicating that the EGM will be disabled and disabling the EGM for thepredetermined amount of time.

In yet another aspect, a non-transitory, computer-readable storagemedium having instructions stored thereon is described. In response toexecution by a processor, the instructions cause the processor toreceive, from an electronic gaming machine (EGM), player identificationdata and game data, wherein the player identification data identifies aplayer account of a player at an EGM and the game data includes anindication of an electronic game being played at the EGM. Theinstructions also cause the processor to request and receive, based uponthe player identification data and from a player tracking server, playerdata associated with the player account, the player data including priorgame data associated with the player account, cause display, on a hostdevice associated with a casino host, of at least a portion of theplayer data and the game data, and determine that the EGM should bedisabled for a predetermined amount of time. The instructions furthercause the processor to cause display, on at least one of the EGM and aplayer device associated with the player account, of a messageindicating that the EGM will be disabled and disable the EGM for thepredetermined amount of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked withvarious gaming related servers.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing various functional elements of anexemplary EGM.

FIG. 2B depicts a casino gaming environment according to one example.

FIG. 2C is a diagram that shows examples of components of a system forproviding online gaming according to some aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in block diagram form, an implementation of a gameprocessing architecture algorithm that implements a game processingpipeline for the play of a game in accordance with variousimplementations described herein.

FIG. 4A-FIG. 4C are block diagrams showing example systems forgenerating and automatically responding to casino-floor and/or playeractivity data.

FIG. 4D illustrates an example method for controlling EGM usage inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5-FIG. 36 are example illustrations of a host dashboard, which maybe provided to casino personnel, such as a casino host, and which maysummarize a variety of player and other data.

FIG. 37-FIG. 42 are example illustrations of a player dashboard, whichmay be provided to a player, and which may include a variety of summaryand real-time data as well as one or more options to communicate withcasino personnel.

FIG. 43 illustrates an example bank of EGMs that participate in a socialdistancing system and methods described herein.

FIG. 44 illustrates a wireless connection scenario in which a patronuses their mobile device to wirelessly connect with the EGM.

FIG. 45 illustrates status of the EGMs after successful wirelessconnection between the mobile device and the EGM and a new playingsession has commenced.

FIG. 46 is an example user interface illustrating a view of a taskmanagement application in which service requests for disinfecting EGMsare provided by the social distancing system to service personnel.

FIG. 47 is an example user interface illustrating another view of thetask management application in which a tasked service person closes apending service request.

FIG. 48 is an example user interface illustrating a view of a socialdistancing interface for the social distancing system.

FIG. 49 illustrates the bank of EGMs after the example patron concludestheir game play session.

FIG. 50 is an example method for enhancing social distancing andcleanliness of gaming devices.

FIGS. 51-56 are schematic diagrams illustrating operation of certainembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The systems and methods described herein enable and facilitate a varietyof advantages to players (both carded and non-carded) within a casino,as an example. More specifically, the systems and methods describedherein include a product backend server (e.g., a casino managementserver) that receives a plurality of data related to a plurality ofpatrons that visit a casino and interact with the many services offeredby the casino or third-parties associated with the casino including suchservices as game play, hotels services, restaurant services, spa,shopping and other services that may be offered by a casino.

This data may be analyzed to build and/or modify player profiles of eachpatron. In addition, the casino management server may collect dataassociated with the different games (electronic gaming machines (EGMs),tables games, sports betting, etc.) offered at the casino such that theserver is able to identify games on a host device interface includingthe current status or scheduled status of each game, wherein the statusincludes if the game is currently active, or reserved for game play, orinactive for a variety of purposes. The casino management server is incommunication with a variety of computer devices described herein thatenable the casino management server to at least (i) designate an EGM asactive and open for general game play; (ii) designate an EGM as inactiveand closed to general game play; (iii) reserve an EGM in response to arequest submitted thru an app on a mobile device associated with aplayer; (iv) cause display of messages on an EGM to indicate the status(active/inactive) of the EGM; and (v) cause display of messages on othersignage on the casino floor to indicate the status of certain devices.

By way of additional examples, the casino management server taught bythe present disclosure enable generation of a variety of player alerts,such as player alerts based upon player activity, including, forexample, player wagering activity and other non-wagering activity. Thesealerts may be provided (e.g., via a tablet computing device) to casinopersonnel (e.g., agents or employees of the casino), such as one or morecasino hosts, who may respond to player alerts substantially inreal-time to increase player satisfaction and to personalize playerexperiences to meet individual player needs. In the example embodiment,the casino management server further automatically analyze casino-floordata and to generate alerts and/or respond thereto in real time. In someembodiments, alerts may also be generated for other customers of acasino, such as non-gaming patrons whose purchases are more focused onnon-gaming casino services (e.g., dining, beauty and health, and thelike). A variety of other benefits and technical improvements (e.g.,enabling offline gameplay) are also achieved by the present disclosureand described in additional detail below.

In some embodiments, the casino management server is directed toimplementing social distancing game play for both carded and un-cardedpatrons/players. After carded or cardless connection to a game (e.g.,establishing an active EGM), the casino management server describedherein may be configured to automatically take adjacent EGMs and/or EGMsthat are within a certain distance of active EGM into an off-line orinactive mode. The casino management server allows for viewing ofmessaging on, as examples, the active EGM, a mobile device, and/or otherdisplays (e.g., signage on a casino floor) as described herein. Thecasino management server also allows for communication/messaging (e.g.,at a mobile device and within a casino loyalty app) such the casinomanagement server communicates when a particular EGM was last sanitized.The casino management server also allows for patrons (e.g., of specificlevels/tiers in a loyalty program) to locate specific game themes atcertain EGMs and reserve those EGMs for individual and/or social play.The server may also notify patrons that may play a particular EGM gameon the casino floor that the particular EGM is being inactivated forservice at a certain time, but that the same game or similar game isoffered on another EGM on the casino floor and directs the patron tothat other EGM during that certain time including when the patron isdetected on the casino floor near the location of the EGM beinginactivated.

Before live play at an EGM by a patron, the casino management serverdescribed herein may control messaging that is displayed at the EGM andnotifies the patron that a casino employee is on the way to sanitize theEGM. A task can be created by the casino management server for floorservice staff (e.g., at a host device) for a specified role that handlesthe sanitizing process. After the floor service staff services the EGMand/or casino-floor space, the patron and/or casino worker can select(e.g., at a mobile device and within a casino loyalty app) a button onan interface to enable the EGM back into live gaming. A selection optioncan be made by the patron at the mobile device to request having thegame sanitized again. The casino management server may then beconfigured to create a task/alert that is transmitted to a deviceassociated with floor service staff (e.g., a host device). For example,a dashboard may be generated by the casino management server that isviewable at a host device in a floor service that shows casinomanagement games/EGMS currently in social distancing play and games/EGMswithin a social distance radius (e.g., at least 6 feet in alldirections) that are off-line. In some embodiments certain patrons maybe “linked” to other patrons (e.g., within a casino loyalty app). Linkedpatrons (e.g., patrons in each other's social distancing “bubble” suchas family members and/or close friends) will allow for the linked patronto join the EGM next to the EGM where the other linked player is playingthat is in active session play.

As another example, the casino management server may provide forenabling casino personnel to automatically enable and/or disable certainEGMs for gameplay at any particular time. Currently, to disable EGMs,casino personnel have to manually rope off a certain area of a casinofloor including a number of EGMs and then manually disable the EGMsafter telling players at those EGMs that they need to exit the area. Thecasino management server allows for casino personnel to automaticallydisable/enable EGMs (e.g., for cleaning purposes, for reservations(e.g., VIPs, or certain qualified players), for tournament play, formaintenance, etc.) at a host device and via the casino managementserver. In response to casino personnel disabling an EGM, the servercauses the disabled EGM to display a message indicating the EGM is notenabled for play. In response to casino personnel enabling an EGM, theserver causes the enabled EGM to display a messaged indicating the EGMis enabled for play.

Further, the server may monitor the status of each EGM/device on acasino floor in real-time to determine which machines are enabled forplay and which machines are disabled for play. The server may alsoenable casino personnel to schedule when certain EGMs should beenabled/disabled (e.g., online/offline). For example, casino personnelmay know a tournament will take place at a certain number of EGMs for aone hour time block. Accordingly, casino personnel may provide inputs tothe casino management server (e.g., at a host and/or configurationdevice) to indicate those EGMs should be disabled for regular play forthe hour block during which the tournament will take place, so that thetournament may take place on the EGMs. Further, the server may causedisplay of messages on the EGMs indicating, for example, an amount oftime players may play at the EGMs before they are disabled in order toallow for tournament play. In some embodiments, the server may causedisplay of a message on the EGMs indicating the location of othersimilar EGMs on the casino floor (e.g., where the player can play thesame and/or similar games to the one being disabled). It should be notedthat EGMs and/or devices may be enabled and/or disabled by the casinomanagement server for any purpose, and are not limited toenabling/disabling for cleaning and/or tournament purposes.

Accordingly, the casino management server may automatically generate anddynamically modify at least one schedule corresponding to a plurality ofdevices on a casino floor and the times the devices may be enabledand/or disabled (e.g., for cleaning, maintenance, and/or tournamentpurposes). The at least one schedule may be configured for a provided toa host such that the host may know which devices need to be cleaned andwhen (e.g., devices may need to be cleaned at a certain frequency). Insome embodiments, the at least one schedule may be provided to a player(e.g., via a player app at a mobile device) so that the player knowswhen certain devices will be enabled and/or disabled.

In the example embodiment, the casino management server is configured toprovide data to mobile devices of players, as well as to host and/orconfiguration devices as described herein. For example, the casinomanagement server may provide a variety of functionalities in responseto received inputs from a player app (e.g., on a mobile device of aplayer). As an example, a player may wish to reserve a particular EGM(e.g., an EGM with their favorite game) for a period of time. In someembodiments, depending on a player status (e.g., the player being a highroller and/or in a certain tier of a rewards program), the casinomanagement server may reserve the particular EGM for the player for acertain time period (e.g., as indicated by the player).

In some embodiments, the casino management server may be configured toprovide alerts to players at their mobile devices (e.g., depending onplayer data stored in a database). For example, a player may have aparticular favorite game on a casino floor. Accordingly, in someembodiments, casino management server is configured to providealerts/notifications to a mobile device of the player corresponding toEGMs where the favorite game is played. In other words, if EGMs wherethe favorite game can be played will be disabled for a certain amount oftime, a notification may be sent to a mobile device of the playerindicating when the EGMs will be disabled. In some embodiments, playersmay input preferences regarding when they would like to receivealerts/inputs (e.g., and the casino management server would store thatdata and transmit alerts/inputs at the times/upon the occurrence ofevents defined by the player). Alerts/notifications may be transmittedat a variety of predefined intervals (e.g., an amount of time before theEGMs are disabled, when the EGMs are disabled, and when the EGMs areenabled). In some embodiments, the casino management server may transmitnotifications to mobile devices of players within a predefined range ofEGMs that will be enabled/disabled (e.g., via NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,etc. to players within a predefined proximity of the EGMs) so thatnearby players know when certain EGMs will be enabled/disabled.Accordingly, communication to players is proactively managed instead ofcasino personnel having to manually walk over to the EGMs and tellplayers the EGMs will be taken offline/online.

Accordingly, the casino management server also may generate and provideat least one schedule for each player. For example, a player may reservea number of EGMs for play throughout the day, a dinner reservation atthe casino, and/or any other events. Thus, the casino management servermanages the player schedule (e.g., according to player inputs at amobile device and/or known player preferences) to reserve the EGMs atplayer-requested times and/or make other reservations at or away fromthe casino (e.g., at restaurants).

In some embodiments, when an EGM is disabled, the casino managementserver may cause display of a message on the EGM and/or other signage onthe casino floor indicating that the EGM is disabled and providingdetails regarding, as examples, when the EGM will be enabled and whereEGMs are located that are currently enabled. Further, a player may viewwhich EGMs are enabled/disabled on a mobile app controlled by the casinomanagement server. Accordingly, the player experience is improvedbecause the player has certainty as to where EGMs are located that areavailable for play and when those EGMs will be enabled and disabled forplay.

In some embodiments, the casino management server may control EGMs thatneed to be disabled to automatically card players out (e.g., end a playsession) when the EGMs need to be disabled (e.g., as determined by aschedule as described herein). In some embodiments, the casinomanagement server may control the EGMs to not automatically card playersout if they are of a certain status (e.g., a high-roller status, acertain tier in a rewards program, etc.) so that those players maycontinue play. In addition to carding players out, the casino managementserver may control the EGM to display a message to a player indicatingwhere different enabled EGMs are where the player may continue play. Insome embodiments, the casino management server may control similarmessages (e.g., where other enabled EGMs are) to mobile devices ofplayers within a certain range of the disabled EGMs. In someembodiments, the casino management server may control similar messagesto be displayed upon other electronic signage on the casino floor.

FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may benetworked to various gaming related servers. Shown is a system 100 in agaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g.,slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via acommunications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs,slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.) that can implement one or moreaspects of the present disclosure. The gaming devices 104A-104X mayalternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but notlimited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console. Gamingdevices 104A-104X utilize specialized software and/or hardware to formnon-generic, particular machines or apparatuses that comply withregulatory requirements regarding devices used for wagering or games ofchance that provide monetary awards.

Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the servercomputers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct orindirect using one or more communication protocols. As an example,gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102 can communicateover one or more communication networks, such as over the Internetthrough a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over anonline data network including commercial online service providers,Internet service providers, private networks (e.g., local area networksand enterprise networks), and the like (e.g., wide area networks). Thecommunication networks could allow gaming devices 104A-104X tocommunicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 using avariety of communication-based technologies, such as radio frequency(RF) (e.g., wireless fidelity (WiFi®) and Bluetooth®), cable TV,satellite links and the like.

In some implementation, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, in one or more implementations, a stand-alonegaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any ofthe other gaming devices 104C-104X can implement one or more aspects ofthe present disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMsconnected to networks implemented with one or more of the differentserver computers 102 described herein.

The server computers 102 may include a central determination gamingsystem server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, aplayer tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112,and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104Xmay include features to enable operation of any or all servers for useby the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gamingestablishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may begenerated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and thentransmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals orremote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes anddisplay the results to the players.

Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may bealigned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operationon a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main doorwhich provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104Atypically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by aplayer that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an accesschannel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for aticket-out printer 126.

In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming devicemanufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 comprising anumber (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbolsdisplayed on them. The mechanical reels 130 are independently spun andstopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118which may be used to determine an outcome to the game.

In many configurations, the gaming device 104A may have a main display128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gamingdisplay area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution liquidcrystal display (LCD), plasma, light emitting diode (LED), or organiclight emitting diode (OLED) panel which may be flat or curved as shown,a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlledvideo monitor.

In some implementations, the bill validator 124 may also function as a“ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued creditticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashlessticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless implementations, the gamingdevice 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting acredit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systemsare used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicatorsprinted on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coinsby loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using aticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. The gaming device 104Acan have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatorycompliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, therecan be additional meters that record the total amount of money wageredon the gaming device, total amount of money deposited, total amount ofmoney withdrawn, total amount of winnings on gaming device 104A.

In some implementations, a player tracking card reader 144, atransceiver for wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., aplayer's smartphone), a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player trackinginformation is provided in gaming device 104A. In such implementations,a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with theplayer tracking system server 110 to send and receive player trackinginformation.

Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonusplay is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome orset of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 isoperative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating theoutcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used toplay a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of thebase or primary game.

A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may beactivated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) toindicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced amalfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also oftenused to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a handpayout of an award may be needed.

There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be aback-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate generalgame information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g.,$0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game relatedgraphics. In some implementations, the information panel(s) 152 may beimplemented as an additional video display.

Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used toinitiate game play.

Many or all the above described components can be controlled bycircuitry (e.g., a game controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2A.

An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is theArc model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc.Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similarfeatures of the gaming device 104A implementation are also identified inthe gaming device 104B implementation using the same reference numbers.Gaming device 104B does not include physical reels and instead showsgame play functions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show gamefeatures or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or anyother information or media desired by the game designer or operator. Insome implementations, the optional topper screen 140 may also oralternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available toa player during play of gaming device 104B.

Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a maindoor which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device104B. The main or service door is typically used by service personnel torefill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets insertedinto the bill validator 124. The main or service door may also beaccessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, andfor general maintenance operations.

Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gamingdevice manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104Cincludes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation.Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the main display128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternativelyfrom side to side. In some implementations, main display 128A is a flatpanel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game playwhile secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, toshow game features or attraction activities while the game is not inplay or any other information or media desired by the game designer oroperator. In some implementations, example gaming device 104C may alsoinclude speakers 142 to output various audio such as game sound,background music, etc.

Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, videoslot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo,and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depictedgaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gamingdevice may also be operable to provide many different games. Games maybe differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game(e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill),denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive ornon-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class2 or Class 3, etc.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electroniccomponents of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems.All or parts of the gaming device 200 shown could be used to implementany one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted in FIG. 1. Asshown in FIG. 2A, gaming device 200 includes a topper display 216 oranother form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.)that sits above cabinet 218. Cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may alsohouse a number of other components which may be used to add features toa game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, aticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other media ormechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, a ticketreader 224 which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanismsfor storing or indicating a player's credit value, and a player trackinginterface 232. Player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226for entering information, a player tracking display 228 for displayinginformation (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader 230for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media ora device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. FIG. 2 alsodepicts utilizing a ticket printer 222 to print tickets for a TITOsystem server 108. Gaming device 200 may further include a billvalidator 234, player-input buttons 236 for player input, cabinetsecurity sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218,a primary game display 240, and a secondary game display 242, eachcoupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202.

The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled bya game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204.Processor 204 represents a general-purpose processor, a specializedprocessor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combinationthereof. As an example, processor 204 can be a central processing unit(CPU) that has one or more multi-core processing units and memorymediums (e.g., cache memory) that function as buffers and/or temporarystorage for data. Alternatively, processor 204 can be a specializedprocessor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA),digital signal processor (DSP), or another type of hardware accelerator.In another example, processor 204 is a system on chip (SoC) thatcombines and integrates one or more general-purpose processors and/orone or more specialized processors. Although FIG. 2A illustrates thatgame controller 202 includes a single processor 204, game controller 202is not limited to this representation and instead can include multipleprocessors 204 (e.g., two or more processors).

FIG. 2A illustrates that processor 204 is operatively coupled to memory208. Memory 208 is defined herein as including volatile and nonvolatilememory and other types of non-transitory data storage components.Volatile memory is memory that do not retain data values upon loss ofpower. Nonvolatile memory is memory that do retain data upon a loss ofpower. Examples of memory 208 include random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, solid-state drives, universalserial bus (USB) flash drives, memory cards accessed via a memory cardreader, floppy disks accessed via an associated floppy disk drive,optical discs accessed via an optical disc drive, magnetic tapesaccessed via an appropriate tape drive, and/or other memory components,or a combination of any two or more of these memory components. Inaddition, examples of RAM include static random access memory (SRAM),dynamic random access memory (DRAM), magnetic random access memory(MRAM), and other such devices. Examples of ROM include a programmableread-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory(EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM), or other like memory device. Even though FIG. 2A illustratesthat game controller 202 includes a single memory 208, game controller202 could include multiple memories 208 for storing program instructionsand/or data.

Memory 208 can store one or more game programs 206 that provide programinstructions and/or data for carrying out various implementations (e.g.,game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program 206represents an executable program stored in any portion or component ofmemory 208. In one or more implementations, game program 206 is embodiedin the form of source code that includes human-readable statementswritten in a programming language or machine code that containsnumerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system, suchas a processor 204 in a game controller or other system. Examples ofexecutable programs include: (1) a compiled program that can betranslated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into arandom access portion of memory 208 and run by processor 204; (2) sourcecode that may be expressed in proper format such as object code that iscapable of being loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 andexecuted by processor 204; and (3) source code that may be interpretedby another executable program to generate instructions in a randomaccess portion of memory 208 to be executed by processor 204.

Alternatively, game programs 206 can be set up to generate one or moregame instances based on instructions and/or data that gaming device 200exchanges with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a centraldetermination gaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2A but shownin FIG. 1). For purpose of this disclosure, the term “game instance”refers to a play or a round of a game that gaming device 200 presents(e.g., via a user interface (UI)) to a player. The game instance iscommunicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 and then displayedon gaming device 200. For example, gaming device 200 may execute gameprogram 206 as video streaming software that allows the game to bedisplayed on gaming device 200. When a game is stored on gaming device200, it may be loaded from memory 208 (e.g., from a read only memory(ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server 106 tomemory 208.

Gaming devices, such as gaming device 200, are highly regulated toensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming device 200 is operable toaward monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of aredeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatoryrequirements in a gaming environment, hardware and softwarearchitectures are implemented in gaming devices 200 that differsignificantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting generalpurpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple orstraightforward because of: (1) the regulatory requirements for gamingdevices 200, (2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200operate, (3) security requirements, (4) fault tolerance requirements,and (5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentryenabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantialengineering effort with respect to game design implementation, gamemechanics, hardware components, and software.

One regulatory requirement for games running on gaming device 200generally involves complying with a certain level of randomness.Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming devices 200 satisfya minimum level of randomness without specifying how a gaming device 200should achieve this level of randomness. To comply, FIG. 2A illustratesthat gaming device 200 could include an RNG 212 that utilizes hardwareand/or software to generate RNG outcomes that lack any pattern. The RNGoperations are often specialized and non-generic in order to comply withregulatory and gaming requirements. For example, in a slot game, gameprogram 206 can initiate multiple RNG calls to RNG 212 to generate RNGoutcomes, where each RNG call and RNG outcome corresponds to an outcomefor a reel. In another example, gaming device 200 can be a Class IIgaming device where RNG 212 generates RNG outcomes for creating Bingocards. In one or more implementations, RNG 212 could be one of a set ofRNGs operating on gaming device 200. More generally, an output of theRNG 212 can be the basis on which game outcomes are determined by thegame controller 202. Game developers could vary the degree of truerandomness for each RNG (e.g., pseudorandom) and utilize specific RNGsdepending on game requirements. The output of the RNG 212 can include arandom number or pseudorandom number (either is generally referred to asa “random number”).

In FIG. 2A, RNG 212 and hardware RNG 244 are shown in dashed lines toillustrate that RNG 212, hardware RNG 244, or both can be included ingaming device 200. In one implementation, instead of including RNG 212,gaming device 200 could include a hardware RNG 244 that generates RNGoutcomes. Analogous to RNG 212, hardware RNG 244 performs specializedand non-generic operations in order to comply with regulatory and gamingrequirements. For example, because of regulation requirements, hardwareRNG 244 could be a random number generator that securely produces randomnumbers for cryptography use. The gaming device 200 then uses the securerandom numbers to generate game outcomes for one or more game features.In another implementation, the gaming device 200 could include bothhardware RNG 244 and RNG 212. RNG 212 may utilize the RNG outcomes fromhardware RNG 244 as one of many sources of entropy for generating securerandom numbers for the game features.

Another regulatory requirement for running games on gaming device 200includes ensuring a certain level of RTP. Similar to the randomnessrequirement discussed above, numerous gaming jurisdictions also mandatethat gaming device 200 provides a minimum level of RTP (e.g., RTP of atleast 75%). A game can use one or more lookup tables (also calledweighted tables) as part of a technical solution that satisfiesregulatory requirements for randomness and RTP. In particular, a lookuptable can integrate game features (e.g., trigger events for specialmodes or bonus games; newly introduced game elements such as extrareels, new symbols, or new cards; stop positions for dynamic gameelements such as spinning reels, spinning wheels, or shifting reels; orcard selections from a deck) with random numbers generated by one ormore RNGs, so as to achieve a given level of volatility for a targetlevel of RTP. (In general, volatility refers to the frequency orprobability of an event such as a special mode, payout, etc. Forexample, for a target level of RTP, a higher-volatility game may have alower payout most of the time with an occasional bonus having a veryhigh payout, while a lower-volatility game has a steadier payout withmore frequent bonuses of smaller amounts.) Configuring a lookup tablecan involve engineering decisions with respect to how RNG outcomes aremapped to game outcomes for a given game feature, while still satisfyingregulatory requirements for RTP. Configuring a lookup table can alsoinvolve engineering decisions about whether different game features arecombined in a given entry of the lookup table or split between differententries (for the respective game features), while still satisfyingregulatory requirements for RTP and allowing for varying levels of gamevolatility.

FIG. 2A illustrates that gaming device 200 includes an RNG conversionengine 210 that translates the RNG outcome from RNG 212 to a gameoutcome presented to a player. To meet a designated RTP, a gamedeveloper can set up the RNG conversion engine 210 to utilize one ormore lookup tables to translate the RNG outcome to a symbol element,stop position on a reel strip layout, and/or randomly chosen aspect of agame feature. As an example, the lookup tables can regulate a prizepayout amount for each RNG outcome and how often the gaming device 200pays out the prize payout amounts. The RNG conversion engine 210 couldutilize one lookup table to map the RNG outcome to a game outcomedisplayed to a player and a second lookup table as a pay table fordetermining the prize payout amount for each game outcome. The mappingbetween the RNG outcome to the game outcome controls the frequency inhitting certain prize payout amounts.

FIG. 2A also depicts that gaming device 200 is connected over network214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server110 may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat®Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to trackplay (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or otherquantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that anoperator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use theplayer tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information,activate free play, and/or request various information. Player trackingor loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help buildbrand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typicallycorrespond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player'splaying frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino).Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals,lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player trackinginformation may be combined with other information that is now readilyobtainable by a casino management system.

When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insertcash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or billvalidator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gaming device. Thecredit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of thegame and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winninginstances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wagerand increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to thebalance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyaltyclub card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player viewswith one or more UIs, the game outcome on one or more of the primarygame display 240 and secondary game display 242. Other game and prizeinformation may also be displayed.

For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affectplay of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amountwagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of linesplayed. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select optionsduring course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonusround or select various items during a feature game). The player maymake these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primarygame display 240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other devicewhich enables a player to input information into the gaming device 200.

During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual andauditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects addto the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoythe playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that areprojected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights,strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gamingdevice 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (FIG. 1).

When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typicallyby pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticketprinter 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted intoanother machine to establish a credit balance for play.

Additionally, or alternatively, gaming devices 104A-104X and 200 caninclude or be coupled to one or more wireless transmitters, receivers,and/or transceivers (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A) that communicate(e.g., Bluetooth® or other near-field communication technology) with oneor more mobile devices to perform a variety of wireless operations in acasino environment. Examples of wireless operations in a casinoenvironment include detecting the presence of mobile devices, performingcredit, points, comps, or other marketing or hard currency transfers,establishing wagering sessions, and/or providing a personalizedcasino-based experience using a mobile application. In oneimplementation, to perform these wireless operations, a wirelesstransmitter or transceiver initiates a secure wireless connectionbetween a gaming device 104A-104X and 200 and a mobile device. Afterestablishing a secure wireless connection between the gaming device104A-104X and 200 and the mobile device, the wireless transmitter ortransceiver does not send and/or receive application data to and/or fromthe mobile device. Rather, the mobile device communicates with gamingdevices 104A-104X and 200 using another wireless connection (e.g., WiFi®or cellular network). In another implementation, a wireless transceiverestablishes a secure connection to directly communicate with the mobiledevice. The mobile device and gaming device 104A-104X and 200 sends andreceives data utilizing the wireless transceiver instead of utilizing anexternal network. For example, the mobile device would perform digitalwallet transactions by directly communicating with the wirelesstransceiver. In one or more implementations, a wireless transmittercould broadcast data received by one or more mobile devices withoutestablishing a pairing connection with the mobile devices.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2A illustrate specific implementations of a gamingdevice (e.g., gaming devices 104A-104X and 200), the disclosure is notlimited to those implementations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example,not all gaming devices suitable for implementing implementations of thepresent disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes,information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player trackingsystems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single gamedisplay that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a videodisplay, while others are designed for bar counters or tabletops andhave displays that face upwards. Gaming devices 104A-104X and 200 mayalso include other processors that are not separately shown. Using FIG.2A as an example, gaming device 200 could include display controllers(not shown in FIG. 2A) configured to receive video input signals orinstructions to display images on game displays 240 and 242.Alternatively, such display controllers may be integrated into the gamecontroller 202. The use and discussion of FIGS. 1 and 2 are examples tofacilitate ease of description and explanation.

FIG. 2B depicts a casino gaming environment according to one example. Inthis example, the casino 251 includes banks 252 of EGMs 104. In thisexample, each bank 252 of EGMs 104 includes a corresponding gamingsignage system 254 (also shown in FIG. 2A). According to thisimplementation, the casino 251 also includes mobile gaming devices 256,which are also configured to present wagering games in this example. Themobile gaming devices 256 may, for example, include tablet devices,cellular phones, smart phones and/or other handheld devices. In thisexample, the mobile gaming devices 256 are configured for communicationwith one or more other devices in the casino 251, including but notlimited to one or more of the server computers 102, via wireless accesspoints 258.

According to some examples, the mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes. However, insome alternative implementations the mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured to receive game outcomes from another device, such as thecentral determination gaming system server 106, one of the EGMs 104,etc.

Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to accept monetarycredits from a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., viaa wireless payment app), via tickets, via a patron casino account, etc.However, some mobile gaming devices 256 may not be configured to acceptmonetary credits via a credit or debit card. Some mobile gaming devices256 may include a ticket reader and/or a ticket printer whereas somemobile gaming devices 256 may not, depending on the particularimplementation.

In some implementations, the casino 251 may include one or more kiosks260 that are configured to facilitate monetary transactions involvingthe mobile gaming devices 256, which may include cash out and/or cash intransactions. The kiosks 260 may be configured for wired and/or wirelesscommunication with the mobile gaming devices 256. The kiosks 260 may beconfigured to accept monetary credits from casino patrons 262 and/or todispense monetary credits to casino patrons 262 via cash, a credit ordebit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app),via tickets, etc. According to some examples, the kiosks 260 may beconfigured to accept monetary credits from a casino patron and toprovide a corresponding amount of monetary credits to a mobile gamingdevice 256 for wagering purposes, e.g., via a wireless link such as anear-field communications link. In some such examples, when a casinopatron 262 is ready to cash out, the casino patron 262 may select a cashout option provided by a mobile gaming device 256, which may include areal button or a virtual button (e.g., a button provided via a graphicaluser interface) in some instances. In some such examples, the mobilegaming device 256 may send a “cash out” signal to a kiosk 260 via awireless link in response to receiving a “cash out” indication from acasino patron. The kiosk 260 may provide monetary credits to the casinopatron 262 corresponding to the “cash out” signal, which may be in theform of cash, a credit ticket, a credit transmitted to a financialaccount corresponding to the casino patron, etc.

In some implementations, a cash-in process and/or a cash-out process maybe facilitated by the TITO system server 108. For example, the TITOsystem server 108 may control, or at least authorize, ticket-in andticket-out transactions that involve a mobile gaming device 256 and/or akiosk 260.

Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for receiving and/ortransmitting player loyalty information. For example, some mobile gamingdevices 256 may be configured for wireless communication with the playertracking system server 110. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty informationvia wireless communication with a patron's player loyalty card, apatron's smartphone, etc.

According to some implementations, a mobile gaming device 256 may beconfigured to provide safeguards that prevent the mobile gaming device256 from being used by an unauthorized person. For example, some mobilegaming devices 256 may include one or more biometric sensors and may beconfigured to receive input via the biometric sensor(s) to verify theidentity of an authorized patron. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may beconfigured to function only within a predetermined or configurable area,such as a casino gaming area.

FIG. 2C is a diagram that shows examples of components of a system forproviding online gaming according to some aspects of the presentdisclosure. As with other figures presented in this disclosure, thenumbers, types and arrangements of gaming devices shown in FIG. 2C aremerely shown by way of example. In this example, various gaming devices,including but not limited to end user devices (EUDs) 264 a, 264 b and264 c are capable of communication via one or more networks 417. Thenetworks 417 may, for example, include one or more cellular telephonenetworks, the Internet, etc. In this example, the EUDs 264 a and 264 bare mobile devices: according to this example the EUD 264 a is a tabletdevice and the EUD 264 b is a smart phone. In this implementation, theEUD 264 c is a laptop computer that is located within a residence 266 atthe time depicted in FIG. 2C. Accordingly, in this example the hardwareof EUDs is not specifically configured for online gaming, although eachEUD is configured with software for online gaming. For example, each EUDmay be configured with a web browser. Other implementations may includeother types of EUD, some of which may be specifically configured foronline gaming.

In this example, a gaming data center 276 includes various devices thatare configured to provide online wagering games via the networks 417.The gaming data center 276 is capable of communication with the networks417 via the gateway 272. In this example, switches 278 and routers 280are configured to provide network connectivity for devices of the gamingdata center 276, including storage devices 282 a, servers 284 a and oneor more workstations 570 a. The servers 284 a may, for example, beconfigured to provide access to a library of games for online game play.In some examples, code for executing at least some of the games mayinitially be stored on one or more of the storage devices 282 a. Thecode may be subsequently loaded onto a server 284 a after selection by aplayer via an EUD and communication of that selection from the EUD viathe networks 417. The server 284 a onto which code for the selected gamehas been loaded may provide the game according to selections made by aplayer and indicated via the player's EUD. In other examples, code forexecuting at least some of the games may initially be stored on one ormore of the servers 284 a. Although only one gaming data center 276 isshown in FIG. 2C, some implementations may include multiple gaming datacenters 276.

In this example, a financial institution data center 270 is alsoconfigured for communication via the networks 417. Here, the financialinstitution data center 270 includes servers 284 b, storage devices 282b, and one or more workstations 286 b. According to this example, thefinancial institution data center 270 is configured to maintainfinancial accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loanaccounts, etc. In some implementations one or more of the authorizedusers 274 a-274 c may maintain at least one financial account with thefinancial institution that is serviced via the financial institutiondata center 270.

According to some implementations, the gaming data center 276 may beconfigured to provide online wagering games in which money may be won orlost. According to some such implementations, one or more of the servers284 a may be configured to monitor player credit balances, which may beexpressed in game credits, in currency units, or in any otherappropriate manner. In some implementations, the server(s) 284 a may beconfigured to obtain financial credits from and/or provide financialcredits to one or more financial institutions, according to a player's“cash in” selections, wagering game results and a player's “cash out”instructions. According to some such implementations, the server(s) 284a may be configured to electronically credit or debit the account of aplayer that is maintained by a financial institution, e.g., an accountthat is maintained via the financial institution data center 270. Theserver(s) 284 a may, in some examples, be configured to maintain anaudit record of such transactions.

In some alternative implementations, the gaming data center 276 may beconfigured to provide online wagering games for which credits may not beexchanged for cash or the equivalent. In some such examples, players maypurchase game credits for online game play, but may not “cash out” formonetary credit after a gaming session. Moreover, although the financialinstitution data center 270 and the gaming data center 276 include theirown servers and storage devices in this example, in some examples thefinancial institution data center 270 and/or the gaming data center 276may use offsite “cloud-based” servers and/or storage devices. In somealternative examples, the financial institution data center 270 and/orthe gaming data center 276 may rely entirely on cloud-based servers.

One or more types of devices in the gaming data center 276 (orelsewhere) may be capable of executing middleware, e.g., for datamanagement and/or device communication. Authentication information,player tracking information, etc., including but not limited toinformation obtained by EUDs 264 and/or other information regardingauthorized users of EUDs 264 (including but not limited to theauthorized users 274 a-274 c), may be stored on storage devices 282and/or servers 284. Other game-related information and/or software, suchas information and/or software relating to leaderboards, playerscurrently playing a game, game themes, game-related promotions, gamecompetitions, etc., also may be stored on storage devices 282 and/orservers 284. In some implementations, some such game-related softwaremay be available as “apps” and may be downloadable (e.g., from thegaming data center 276) by authorized users.

In some examples, authorized users and/or entities (such asrepresentatives of gaming regulatory authorities) may obtaingaming-related information via the gaming data center 276. One or moreother devices (such EUDs 264 or devices of the gaming data center 276)may act as intermediaries for such data feeds. Such devices may, forexample, be capable of applying data filtering algorithms, executingdata summary and/or analysis software, etc. In some implementations,data filtering, summary and/or analysis software may be available as“apps” and downloadable by authorized users.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in block diagram form, an implementation of a gameprocessing architecture 300 that implements a game processing pipelinefor the play of a game in accordance with various implementationsdescribed herein. As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming processing pipelinestarts with having a UI system 302 receive one or more player inputs forthe game instance. Based on the player input(s), the UI system 302generates and sends one or more RNG calls to a game processing backendsystem 314. Game processing backend system 314 then processes the RNGcalls with RNG engine 316 to generate one or more RNG outcomes. The RNGoutcomes are then sent to the RNG conversion engine 320 to generate oneor more game outcomes for the UI system 302 to display to a player. Thegame processing architecture 300 can implement the game processingpipeline using a gaming device, such as gaming devices 104A-104X and 200shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. Alternatively, portions of thegaming processing architecture 300 can implement the game processingpipeline using a gaming device and one or more remote gaming devices,such as central determination gaming system server 106 shown in FIG. 1.

The UI system 302 includes one or more UIs that a player can interactwith. The UI system 302 could include one or more game play UIs 304, oneor more bonus game play UIs 308, and one or more multiplayer UIs 312,where each UI type includes one or more mechanical UIs and/or graphicalUIs (GUIs). In other words, game play UI 304, bonus game play UI 308,and the multiplayer UI 312 may utilize a variety of UI elements, such asmechanical UI elements (e.g., physical “spin” button or mechanicalreels) and/or GUI elements (e.g., virtual reels shown on a video displayor a virtual button deck) to receive player inputs and/or present gameplay to a player. Using FIG. 3 as an example, the different UI elementsare shown as game play UI elements 306A-306N and bonus game play UIelements 310A-310N.

The game play UI 304 represents a UI that a player typically interfaceswith for a base game. During a game instance of a base game, the gameplay UI elements 306A-306N (e.g., GUI elements depicting one or morevirtual reels) are shown and/or made available to a user. In asubsequent game instance, the UI system 302 could transition out of thebase game to one or more bonus games. The bonus game play UI 308represents a UI that utilizes bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N fora player to interact with and/or view during a bonus game. In one ormore implementations, at least some of the game play UI element306A-306N are similar to the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N. Inother implementations, the game play UI element 306A-306N can differfrom the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N.

FIG. 3 also illustrates that UI system 302 could include a multiplayerUI 312 purposed for game play that differs or is separate from thetypical base game. For example, multiplayer UI 312 could be set up toreceive player inputs and/or presents game play information relating toa tournament mode. When a gaming device transitions from a primary gamemode that presents the base game to a tournament mode, a single gamingdevice is linked and synchronized to other gaming devices to generate atournament outcome. For example, multiple RNG engines 316 correspondingto each gaming device could be collectively linked to determine atournament outcome. To enhance a player's gaming experience, tournamentmode can modify and synchronize sound, music, reel spin speed, and/orother operations of the gaming devices according to the tournament gameplay. After tournament game play ends, operators can switch back thegaming device from tournament mode to a primary game mode to present thebase game. Although FIG. 3 does not explicitly depict that multiplayerUI 312 includes UI elements, multiplayer UI 312 could also include oneor more multiplayer UI elements.

Based on the player inputs, the UI system 302 could generate RNG callsto a game processing backend system 314. As an example, the UI system302 could use one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) togenerate the RNG calls. To process the RNG calls, the RNG engine 316could utilize gaming RNG 318 and/or non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N. GamingRNG 318 could corresponds to RNG 212 or hardware RNG 244 shown in FIG.2A. As previously discussed with reference to FIG. 2A, gaming RNG 318often performs specialized and non-generic operations that comply withregulatory and/or game requirements. For example, because of regulationrequirements, gaming RNG 318 could correspond to RNG 212 by being acryptographic RNG or pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) (e.g., FortunaPRNG) that securely produces random numbers for one or more gamefeatures. To securely generate random numbers, gaming RNG 318 couldcollect random data from various sources of entropy, such as from anoperating system (OS) and/or a hardware RNG (e.g., hardware RNG 244shown in FIG. 2A). Alternatively, non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N may not becryptographically secure and/or be computationally less expensive.Non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N can, thus, be used to generate outcomes fornon-gaming purposes. As an example, non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N cangenerate random numbers for generating random messages that appear onthe gaming device.

The RNG conversion engine 320 processes each RNG outcome from RNG engine316 and converts the RNG outcome to a UI outcome that is feedback to theUI system 302. With reference to FIG. 2A, RNG conversion engine 320corresponds to RNG conversion engine 210 used for game play. Aspreviously described, RNG conversion engine 320 translates the RNGoutcome from the RNG 212 to a game outcome presented to a player. RNGconversion engine 320 utilizes one or more lookup tables 322A-322N toregulate a prize payout amount for each RNG outcome and how often thegaming device pays out the derived prize payout amounts. In one example,the RNG conversion engine 320 could utilize one lookup table to map theRNG outcome to a game outcome displayed to a player and a second lookuptable as a pay table for determining the prize payout amount for eachgame outcome. In this example, the mapping between the RNG outcome andthe game outcome controls the frequency in hitting certain prize payoutamounts. Different lookup tables could be utilized depending on thedifferent game modes, for example, a base game versus a bonus game.

After generating the UI outcome, the game processing backend system 314sends the UI outcome to the UI system 302. Examples of UI outcomes aresymbols to display on a video reel or reel stops for a mechanical reel.In one example, if the UI outcome is for a base game, the UI system 302updates one or more game play UI elements 306A-306N, such as symbols,for the game play UI 304. In another example, if the UI outcome is for abonus game, the UI system could update one or more bonus game play UIelements 310A-310N (e.g., symbols) for the bonus game play UI 308. Inresponse to updating the appropriate UI, the player may subsequentlyprovide additional player inputs to initiate a subsequent game instancethat progresses through the game processing pipeline.

Exemplary Host System

FIG. 4A is an exemplary block diagram showing an example system 400 forgenerating and automatically responding to player and/or casino-floorrelated events. In at least some embodiments, system 400 includes atleast one EGM, such as EGM 104A, a host device 402, a player device 404,and one or more wireless transceivers, such as a first wirelesstransceiver 406 and a second wireless transceiver 408. System 400 mayalso include one or more server systems, such as, for example, playertracking system server 110, casino management system server 114, and/orany other suitable server system.

In various embodiments, wireless transceivers 406 and 408 are WIFIand/or BLUETOOTH enabled. Other suitable communication protocols arealso contemplated by and within the scope of the present disclosure. Inat least some example embodiments, host device 402 and player device 404may include any suitable wireless communication device, such as anytablet computing device, any smartphone, any laptop computing device,and/or any other computing device capable of wirelessly communicating.Further, in some embodiments, player device 404 may include EGM 104A. Insome embodiments, host device 402 and/or player device 404 may alsoinclude augmented reality devices, such as augmented reality glasses.

In the example embodiment, EGM 104A may be connected to server 110 byway of a communication network (e.g., a casino wide-area-network) and/orany other suitable (wired and/or wireless network), as described herein.Server 110 may connect to and communicate with one or both of hostdevice 402 and player device 404 by way of wireless transceivers 406 and408. For instance, wireless transceivers 406 and 408 may form at least aportion of a local-area and/or wide-area network (LAN or WAN) within acasino, and server 110 may communicate with devices 402 and 404 using onthe LAN or WAN, such as by providing data to one or both devices 402 and404 wirelessly over the network. In the example embodiment, server 110is configured to store player information such as, game data (e.g., fromgames previously (prior game data)/currently played by a player, wageramounts, win amounts, loss amounts, amount of time played, etc. withthis data sorted by at least game played, machine/device played,location played, etc.).

In some embodiments, a player's proximity to a wireless transceiver,such as transceivers 406 and 408, may be used to determine a position ofa player within a casino. For example, transceiver 406 may define afirst geofence, and transceiver 408 may define a second geofence. Asused herein, the term “geofence” may refer to an area within a casinothat includes or is otherwise defined by at least one wirelesstransceiver. More generally, a casino floor may be subdivided in aplurality of geofences (or sections) to identify a generalized locationof a player based upon the player's proximity to one or more wirelesstransceivers on the casino floor, such as transceivers 406 and 408.

System 400 may enable and facilitate generation of a variety of playeralerts and other casino-floor related tracking data. These alerts andcasino-floor related tracking data, as well as potentially a variety ofother desirable and/or requested data, may be displayed for casinopersonnel by way of a host device 402 provided to the casino personnel.Specifically, the host device 402 may display a graphical user interface(GUI) or “host dashboard,” which may include (e.g., display, summarize,etc.) any of a variety of data, such as one or more player alerts, asdescribed herein. In some embodiments, host device 402 may determine andautomatically implement, as an example, player alerts without displayingand/or otherwise communicating that alert to casino personnel.

FIG. 4B is another exemplary block diagram showing a more detailedexample system 400 for generating and automatically responding to playerand/or casino-floor related events. In the example embodiment shown inFIG. 4B, system 400 includes at least one casino device and/or database410 (e.g., an EGM 104A-X, a point of sale (POS) device, a hotel lodgingmanagement system (LMS), a device tracking events on the casino floor(e.g., including an EGM), a device tracking risk and safety (R&S)events, a device tracking table events (e.g., at a gaming table where atleast one table game is played), and a device tracking any otherancillary activities relevant to operation of a casino (e.g.,transmitting data from third party gaming machines)). In someembodiments, devices 410 may include databases, as indicated above(e.g., in some embodiments devices 410 may include databases that are incommunication with and receive data from the exemplary devices describedabove).

Further, system 400 may include host device 402 and player device 404(e.g., connected to system 400 via transceiver 408 such as a wirelessaccess point) as described herein. System 400 may also include one ormore server systems, such as, for example, player tracking system server110, a product backend server 401 (e.g., casino management server 401),a representational state transfer (REST) based service server 412configured to configure and transfer data (e.g., functioning as a securegateway) between devices, servers, and/or databases 414, as examples,shown in system 400, and/or any other suitable server system.

In the example embodiment, system 400 further includes a configurationdevice 415 including a configuration app. In the example embodiment, theconfiguration app is configured to allow authorized personnel (e.g., anIT specialist, a casino manager, etc.) to specify a variety ofconfigurations for server 401 and/or actions to be taken by server 401.For example, although many embodiments herein are described asautomatically being implemented/acted upon by server 401 based onreceived data from a device 410, in some embodiments, server 401 maycontrol a device 410 based upon data received from configuration device415 (e.g., when a user at device 415 indicates a device 410 should beturned off for a certain amount of time). In some embodiments, server401 may automatically determine to disable a device 410 for an amount oftime based upon a determination by server 401 of a reason why device 410is being disabled.

As examples, server 401 may automatically disable a device 410 for afirst predetermined amount of time if device 410 is being disabled forcleaning, a second predetermined amount of time if device 410 is beingdisabled for maintenance, a third predetermined amount of time if device410 is being disabled for a tournament (e.g., in some embodiments server401 may receive from device 402 an amount of time device 410 needs to beshut down for a tournament), and a fourth predetermined amount of timeif device 410 is being disabled because the player wants to take a break(e.g., the player may enter, at device 410 and/or player device 404 anamount of time device 410 should be disabled while they leave device 410for any purpose (e.g., use the restroom, eat a meal, attend an event,etc.). Further, the amounts of time may be modified by any personnel asdescribed herein (e.g., a host may define an amount of time device 410should be disabled, a player may request server 401 disable device 410for a different period/amount of time than previously defined if, as anexample, a meal is taking longer than expected).

In the example embodiment, devices 410 are connected to server 401 via amessage service 416 and/or server 412. Server 401 is configured toreceive data from devices 410 and facilitate the analysis andtransmission of data from devices 410 in order to generate andautomatically respond to player and/or casino-floor related events asdescribed herein. For example, server 401 may transmit data to server412, host device 402, server 110, and/or one or more databases 414. Insome embodiments, databases 414 may include a database configured tostore user security information (e.g., usernames and passwords for aplayer account, verified by an active directory service device 413), adatabase configured to store data regarding a mobile application (e.g.,implemented at device 404), a database configured to store rules and/orthresholds, as examples, for server 401, and/or a database configured tostore regulatory system configuration data. Further, in the exampleembodiment, server 401 may act as a rules engine (e.g., based upon rulesgenerated by server 401 and/or received from device 415) in order toanalyze received/generated data and automatically generate real-timeresponses thereto (e.g., generating and transmitting a response/alert toplayer device 404 and/or EGMs 104A-104X). Various example functionsperformed by server 401 are provided below in greater detail.

FIG. 4C is exemplary block diagram showing another more detailed examplesystem 400 for generating and automatically responding to player and/orcasino-floor related events. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 4C,system 400 includes at least one casino device 410 (e.g., an EGM 104A-X,a POS device, a hotel lodging management system (LMS), a device trackingevents on the casino floor, a device tracking risk and safety (R&S)events, a device tracking table events (e.g., at a gaming table), and adevice tracking any other ancillary activities relevant to operation ofthe casino (e.g., transmitting data from third party gaming machines)),in some embodiments including an nCompass device (e.g., configured toconnect to a device (e.g., player device 404) to allow a user to connectto the device including the nCompass device (e.g., allowing a player toplay a game at an EGM including the nCompass device on their mobiledevice) and a flash device configured to configure/translate data fordisplay on device 410. In the example shown in FIG. 4C, at least onecasino floor device 410 includes at least one EGM 424, wherein EGMs 424may include an nCompass device and a flash device as described herein.System 400 also includes digital signage 422 (e.g., digital signage in acasino) that may be controlled by server 401 to display messagesregarding functions being performed by server 401 (e.g., that certainEGMs are on and/or off, when certain EGMs will be turned on and/or off,when/where tournaments are being displayed, etc.).

In the example embodiment, system 400 includes server 401 configured toreceive data from devices 410. Further, data may be gathered via messageservice 416 (e.g., one or more pollers configured to periodicallyrequest data from devices 410) and transmitted to server 110 via apoller mid tier (PMT) server 418 (e.g., gathering data other than meterdata from devices 410) and transmitted to server 401 via a meter midtier (MMT) device 420 (e.g., gathering meter data from devices 410).

In the example embodiment, server 401 stores all and/or a portion ofconfiguration data related to devices 410 for a given floor space (e.g.,on a casino floor). When a player cards-in at device 410, a card-inmessage (e.g., including player identification data such as a playername identifier, tier status, and/or other account information) istransmitted from device 410 (e.g., via server 412) to message service416. The card-in message is managed by service 416, which acts as acommunication service that manages the card-in message and othermessages. PMT server 418 and/or MMT device 420 (e.g., for meter data)may act as a floor service to initiate a gaming session at device 410and obtain player information based on the card-in message. Afterwards,PMT server 418 and/or MMT device 420 transmits the card-in message or asession start/new session message, which could include EGM location,player identification data (e.g., a player name identifier, tier status,and/or other account information) to server 401 to start the socialdistancing process. The server 401 provides the information to server110 to determine relevant configuration information. After receivingconfiguration information from server 110, the server 401 communicateswith PMT server 418 and/or MMT device 420 to control display of anappropriate UI with tasks/dashboards (e.g., at a host device such ashost device 402). Server 401 also transmits the instructions to anappropriate device 410 to disable devices 410 adjacent to theactive/logged in device 410.

When a communication module of at least one of devices 410 sends out acard-out message, server 401 receives the card-out message or sessionend message, and server 401 may disable the carded-out device 410 andsurrounding devices 410 for cleaning purposes. The card-out message maybe generated for a variety reasons, such as: i) player selects a cashout button and removes player card from the device 410; ii) playeraccidentally abandons/leaves the player card in device 410 (e.g., thismay be time-based determination made by server 401 after a playerselects the cash out button; and/or iii) device 410 is idle for athreshold amount of time (e.g., as determined/stored at server 401)while credits are on a meter of device 410.

As another example, server 401 provides for enabling casino personnel toautomatically enable and/or disable certain EGMs (e.g., 410) forgameplay at any particular time. Currently, to disable EGMs, casinopersonnel have to manually rope off a certain area of a casino floorincluding a number of EGMs and then manually disable the EGMs aftertelling players at those EGMs that they need to exit the area. Server401 allows for casino personnel to automatically disable/enable EGMs(e.g., for cleaning purposes, for reservations (e.g., by high rollers),for tournament play, for maintenance, etc.) at a host device (e.g., 402,415) and via server 401. In response to casino personnel disabling anEGM, server 401 causes the disabled EGM to display a message indicatingthe EGM is not enabled for play. In response to casino personnelenabling an EGM, server 401 causes the enabled EGM to display a messagedindicating the EGM is enabled for play.

Further, server 401 may monitor the status of each EGM/device on acasino floor in real-time to determine which machines are enabled forplay and which machines are disabled for play. More specifically, server401 receives a plurality of data related to a plurality of patrons thatvisit a casino and interact with the many services (e.g., at devices410) offered by the casino or third-parties associated with the casinoincluding such services as game play, hotels services, restaurantservices, spa, shopping and other services that may be offered by acasino. This data may be analyzed to build and/or modify player profiles(e.g., at server 110) of each patron. In addition, server 401 maycollect data associated with the different games (electronic gamingmachines (EGMs), tables games, sports betting, etc.) offered at thecasino such that server 401 is able to identify games on a host device(e.g., device 402) interface including the current status or scheduledstatus of each game, wherein the status includes if the game iscurrently active, or reserved for game play, or inactive for a varietyof purposes. Server 401 is in communication with a variety of computerdevices described herein that enable server 401 to at least (i)designate an EGM as active and open for general game play; (ii)designate an EGM as inactive and closed to general game play; (iii)reserve an EGM in response to a request submitted thru an app on amobile device (e.g., device 404) associated with a player; (iv) causedisplay of messages on an EGM to indicate the status (active/inactive)of the EGM; and (v) cause display of messages on other signage on thecasino floor to indicate the status of certain devices.

Server 401 may also enable casino personnel to schedule when certainEGMs should be enabled/disabled (e.g., online/offline). For example,casino personnel may know a tournament will take place at a certainnumber of EGMs for a one hour time block. Accordingly, casino personnelmay provide inputs to server 401 (e.g., at a host and/or configurationdevice) to indicate those EGMs should be disabled for regular play forthe hour block during which the tournament will take place, so that thetournament may take place on the EGMs. Further, server 401 may causedisplay of messages on the EGMs indicating, for example, an amount oftime players may play at the EGMs before they are disabled in order toallow for tournament play. In some embodiments, server 401 may causedisplay of a message on the EGMs indicating the location of othersimilar EGMs on the casino floor (e.g., where the player can play thesame and/or similar games to the one being disabled). It should be notedthat EGMs and/or devices may be enabled and/or disabled by server 401for any purpose, and are not limited to enabling/disabling for cleaningand/or tournament purposes.

Accordingly, server 401 may automatically generate and dynamicallymodify at least one schedule corresponding to a plurality of devices ona casino floor and the times the devices may be enabled and/or disabled(e.g., for cleaning, maintenance, and/or tournament purposes). The atleast one schedule may be configured for a provided to a host such thatthe host may know which devices need to be cleaned and when (e.g.,devices may need to be cleaned at a certain frequency). In someembodiments, the at least one schedule may be provided to a player(e.g., via a player app at a mobile device) so that the player knowswhen certain devices will be enabled and/or disabled.

In the example embodiment, server 401 is configured to provide data tomobile devices of players, as well as to host and/or configurationdevices as described herein. For example, server 401 may provide avariety of functionalities in response to received inputs from a playerapp (e.g., on a mobile device of a player). As an example, a player maywish to reserve a particular EGM (e.g., an EGM with their favorite game)for a period of time. In some embodiments, depending on a player status(e.g., the player being a high roller and/or in a certain tier of arewards program), server 401 may reserve the particular EGM for theplayer for a certain time period (e.g., as indicated by the player).

In some embodiments, server 401 may be configured to provide alerts toplayers at their mobile devices (e.g., depending on player data storedin a database). For example, a player may have a particular favoritegame on a casino floor. Accordingly, in some embodiments, server 401 isconfigured to provide alerts/notifications to a mobile device of theplayer corresponding to EGMs where the favorite game is played. In otherwords, if EGMs where the favorite game can be played will be disabledfor a certain amount of time, a notification may be sent to a mobiledevice of the player indicating when the EGMs will be disabled. In someembodiments, players may input preferences regarding when they wouldlike to receive alerts/inputs (e.g., and server 401 would store thatdata and transmit alerts/inputs at the times/upon the occurrence ofevents defined by the player). Alerts/notifications may be transmittedat a variety of predefined intervals (e.g., an amount of time before theEGMs are disabled, when the EGMs are disabled, and when the EGMs areenabled). In some embodiments, server 401 may transmit notifications tomobile devices of players within a predefined range of EGMs that will beenabled/disabled (e.g., via NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. to playerswithin a predefined proximity of the EGMs) so that nearby players knowwhen certain EGMs will be enabled/disabled. Accordingly, communicationto players is proactively managed instead of casino personnel having tomanually walk over to the EGMs and tell players the EGMs will be takenoffline/online.

Accordingly, server 401 may also generate and provide at least oneschedule for each player. For example, a player may reserve a number ofEGMs for play throughout the day, a dinner reservation at the casino,and/or any other events. Thus, server 401 manages the player schedule(e.g., according to player inputs at a mobile device and/or known playerpreferences) to reserve the EGMs at player-requested times and/or makeother reservations at or away from the casino (e.g., at restaurants).

In some embodiments, when an EGM is disabled, server 401 may causedisplay of a message on the EGM and/or other signage on the casino floorindicating that the EGM is disabled and providing details regarding, asexamples, when the EGM will be enabled and where EGMs are located thatare currently enabled. Further, a player may view which EGMs areenabled/disabled on a mobile app (e.g., at device 404) controlled byserver 401. Accordingly, the player experience is improved because theplayer has certainty as to where EGMs are located that are available forplay and when those EGMs will be enabled and disabled for play.

In some embodiments, server 401 may control EGMs that need to bedisabled to automatically card players out (e.g., end a play session)when the EGMs need to be disabled (e.g., as determined by a schedule asdescribed herein). In some embodiments, server 401 may control the EGMsto not automatically card players out if they are of a certain status(e.g., a high-roller status, a certain tier in a rewards program, etc.)so that those players may continue play. In addition to carding playersout, server 401 may control the EGM to display a message to a playerindicating where different enabled EGMs are where the player maycontinue play. In some embodiments, server 401 may control similarmessages (e.g., where other enabled EGMs are) to mobile devices ofplayers within a certain range of the disabled EGMs. In someembodiments, server 401 may control similar messages to be displayedupon other electronic signage on the casino floor.

In some embodiments, server 401 is configured to provide a variety offunctions from guest communication, to staff liaison, to managing thebusiness (e.g., by generating and transmitting alerts to devices 402,404, 410, etc.). Server 401 provides feature functionality that allows acasino host (e.g., a casino worker) to know activities and behaviors oftheir players, and provides additional features that allow them to growtheir book.

In some embodiments, server 401 is configured to manage playerenrollment (e.g., in a loyalty program) at, as examples, devices 410and/or player device 404. For example, server 401 may detect that aplayer not associated with a player account is at a device 404, 410, andfacilitate player enrollment (e.g., creation of a player account). Inother words, server 401 may manage player enrollment (e.g., by providingprompts and storing data in a database 414) at devices not previouslycapable of allowing a player to create a player account (e.g.,previously players had to leave a device 410 (e.g., an EGM) to create aplayer account). In some embodiments, when a player is logged in to aplayer account at a device 410, server 401 may be configured to provideawards to the player to be stored in the player account associated withthe player and/or provided at the device 410 (e.g., players previouslyhad to leave game play to go claim an award).

For example, server 401 may now allow for patrons that are unknown, andhave opted-into an award (e.g., are eligible to receive an award) tochoose how they want to claim their award with either indicating at adevice 410 they will visit a club booth, or request a casinorepresentative be sent to the device's location. If the patron selectsto have someone sent, an alert and task will be generated by server 401and transmitted to device 402 and/or device 404 to complete clubenrollment and bonus to the player.

In some embodiments, server 401 is configured to generate notificationsand tasks, and transmit the notifications/tasks to at least host device402. Upon receipt of data from server 401, device 402 may then inform auser of host device 402 about their players (e.g., players at an EGMmanaged by the user and/or a company associated with the user), andgives them the ability to prospect new players.

For example, server 401 may control generating and transmitting alertsto device 402 at a predetermined and/or otherwise defined frequency(e.g., when a hosted player cards in to a device 410). Further, server401 may generate alerts/tasks when a player at a device 410 exceeds acertain threshold of an amount (e.g., credit, wager, etc.) played, of apredefined number of thresholds (e.g., any number of thresholds may bedefined corresponding to levels of players, such as high-roller, and/orplayers wagering less than a high roller) and/or a certain thresholdamount of time played. Server 401 may also generate an alert when aplayer at an EGM (e.g., with or without a player account) wins a jackpot(e.g., an alert may be generated by server 401 and transmitted to device402 indicating that casino personnel need to go to the player to, forexample, address tax requirements). Server 401 may also generate analert/task when a player selects a service button and/or call my hostbutton at a device 410. In some embodiments, server 401 may furthergenerate an alert to when a player selects a service button and/or comprequest button at a device 410 (e.g., comps being complimentary itemsand services to encourage players) to indicate the player and/or device410 where the request was made.

In some embodiments, server 401 may also be configured to determine,based upon a threshold amount of time a player has spent on a device 410and/or a threshold amount of coin-in by game type (slots, video poker,multi-game/multi-denomination) to generate an alert and transmit thealert to device 410 and/or device 402. Further, server 401 may beconfigured to generate and transmit, an alert when a player that hasopted in to a bonusing event (e.g., at a device 410). Server 401 mayfurther be configured to generate and transmit an alert when a playerwants to take a device 410 offline (e.g., to take a break) and when aplayer wants to bring a game back online (e.g., after the break). Server401 may also be configured to generate and transmit an alert based uponplayer data (e.g., a birthday/anniversary stored in a database 414).

As explained above, server 401 may also generate and transmit alertsbased upon data received from one or more gaming tables (e.g., and/orother devices 410). As examples, server 401 may generate and transmit analert when: a player buys into a table game; a player meets a thresholdwin amount; a loss meets a threshold loss amount and/or ends a playsession; a player averages a certain threshold of an average bet withinan active session; a player has met a threshold of session minutesplayed; a hosted player (e.g., high roller) starts a rated session;every certain predefined amount of minutes is played and/or a playsession ends, server 401 causes display of players stats at device 402;a player that is not hosted buys into a table game with a certainamount; and/or a player spends a certain amount at a specific device410/outlet that meets/satisfies a threshold rule.

As explained herein, server 401, may also generate and transmit alertsbased upon inputs received at a device 410 (e.g., an EGM and/or table).As examples, server 401 may generate and transmit alerts based uponinputs at a device 410 including: an input to call a host; an input thata player will be going to a particular game location to field a requestfor a comp; and any other administrator-defined rules (e.g., at device415) that can define other reasons that are enabled by tier and/orhosted players that cause display of buttons to the player in theexample of needing change, card reprint, reset PIN, etc.

Further, server 401 may control requests from a player for theirfavorite games to be taken out of live play prior to their arrival,and/or while playing to off-line game while they go to dinner, asexamples. Casinos are more than willing to take these games out ofrevenue mode because of the amount of coin-in/input these players willcycle through within a gaming session. The following features may beprovided and/or managed by server 401 to handle requests from players:ability for an admin user (e.g., at device 415) to enable based on tieror group a set of timer buttons that when selected by the player willoff-line the game; ability for an admin to create a group that will seetheir timer buttons be greater that could off-line the game over aperiod of days; once player enters their PIN and/or other information ata device, server 401 causes display of button selectors and, forexample, if they select “20 minutes”, server 401 controls the device 410to power off the game for 20 minutes and controls a screen of device 410to display messaging indicating the game is offline and a timer (e.g., acountdown from 20 minutes); once player inserts their card back into thedevice 410, as an example, they may be prompted to enter a PIN and/orother information and if successful (e.g., verified by server 401), thegame will be controlled by server 401 to go back online; if a playerneeds more time away from the device 410, server 401 may cause displayof buttons (e.g., X number of additional minutes) to extend off-linetime. As explained herein, whenever and alert and/or task is generated,server 401 transmits at least a portion of the alert and/or task todevice 402 for display to casino personnel.

In some embodiments, server 401 generates and causes display of adashboard at device 402 such that casino personnel can view certainactions and statuses regarding carded/un-carded patrons events. Bygenerating the dashboard, the users at device(s) 402 have fullvisibility to high-worth and/or other players on the floor and theactions noted by their hosts. Specifically, server 401 may generate andtransmit/cause display of the following: a map image that shows wherehosted players are on the casino floor; on this map, the ability tofilter to see un-carded play once a threshold has been met, and locationwhere these players are; the ability to view alerts in real-time andtheir different stages of service (e.g., service requested, in progress,completed, etc.); filter the view to bring a headcount graph viewinginto the app; manager ability (e.g., at device 402) to use workflows toassign, close, un-assign tasks; manager (e.g., at device 402) to viewnotes and other inputted information made by a host that serviced thetask; filter viewing that allows the manager to view and print taggedprospects (e.g., players spending a certain amount and/or playing for acertain amount of time; located and edit patron profiles; view playeroffers; and/or view table games credit balances and transaction history.

FIG. 4D illustrates an example method 450 for controlling EGM usage by,as an example, server 401, in accordance with the present disclosure. Inthe example embodiment, method 450 includes receiving 452, from anelectronic gaming machine (EGM) (e.g., 104A-X, 410), playeridentification data and game data, wherein the player identificationdata identifies a player account of a player at an EGM and the game dataincludes an indication of an electronic game being played at the EGM.Further, method 450 may also include requesting and receiving 454, basedupon the player identification data and from a player tracking server,player data associated with the player account, the player dataincluding prior game data associated with the player account and causingdisplay 456, on a host device associated with a casino host, of at leasta portion of the player data and the game data.

Method 450 may also include determining 458 that the EGM should bedisabled for a predetermined amount of time, causing display 460, on atleast one of the EGM and a player device associated with the playeraccount (e.g., device 404), of a message indicating that the EGM will bedisabled, and disabling 462 the EGM for the predetermined amount oftime.

In some embodiments, method 450 includes receiving, from an EGM, anindication that a new session has commenced on the EGM, generating,based upon the indication received from the EGM, a task indicating thatthe EGM should be cleaned, and transmitting a message including the taskto the host device.

In some embodiments, method 450 includes receiving, from the EGM, anindication that a new session has commenced on the EGM, determining,based upon the indication received from the EGM, at least one other EGMnearby the EGM, transmitting, to the at least one other EGM, an out ofservice message, wherein the out of service message is configured toplace the at least one other EGM into an out of service mode, andcausing display, on the at least one other EGM, of a message indicatingthe at least one other EGM is out of service.

In some embodiments, method 450 includes receiving, from the EGM, anindication that a new session has commenced on the EGM, receiving, fromthe EGM and based upon an input received at the EGM from a player, anindication that the player has requested to opt in to social distancing,determining, based upon the indication received from the EGM, at leastone other EGM nearby the EGM, and causing display, on the at least oneother EGM, of a message indicating the at least one other EGM is out ofservice.

In some embodiments, method 450 includes, in response to disabling theEGM for the predetermined amount of time, causing display on the atleast one of the EGM and the player device associated with the player, amessage including a location of at least one other EGM that is enabled.In some embodiments, method 450 includes receiving, from the at leastone of the EGM and the player device associated with the player, amessage requesting that the EGM be disabled for a different period oftime than the predetermined amount of time and disabling the EGM for thedifferent period of time. In some embodiments, method 450 includesdetermining that the EGM should be disabled for a predetermined amountof time based upon the processor determining at least one of that i) theEGM should be cleaned, ii) the EGM should have maintenance performedthereon, iii) the EGM is needed for a tournament, and iv) the EGM isreserved.

FIG. 5-FIG. 36 are example illustrations of a host dashboard generatedby server 401 and displayed at, for example, device 402. As shown, thehost dashboard may be implemented to provide a large variety of data tocasino personnel (e.g., at host device 402), all of which may be used,as described herein, by casino personnel to gain key insight intocurrent and prior gaming metrics.

Accordingly, player alerts may include, for example, alerts based uponplayer activity, including, but not limited to, player wagering activityand other non-wagering activity (e.g., service requests, and the like,as described). These alerts may be provided (e.g., via host device 402)to casino personnel, such as one or more casino hosts, who may respondto player alerts substantially in real-time to increase playersatisfaction and to personalize player experiences to meet individualplayer needs. System 400 may thus enable and facilitate a variety ofdynamic and/or real-time responses by agents and/or employees of thecasino, such as one or more casino hosts, to player activity and/orplayer alerts generated based upon player activity. A variety of otherbenefits and technical improvements (e.g., enabling offline gameplay)are also achieved by the present disclosure and described in additionaldetail below. The embodiments described herein may be generated inresponse to an input at, for example, host device 402, and/orautomatically generated by server 401 in response to receiving data(e.g., from a device 410). Further, in some embodiments, server 401 mayonly provide certain functions described herein to players of a certaintier level (e.g., in a player loyalty program) and/or players “hosted”by a casino (e.g., players receiving additional perks at a casino).

In at least one example embodiment, system 400 may monitor playeractivity, such as an aggregate or total amount wagered by a playerduring a specified interval, to generate an alert indicating, forexample, that the aggregate wager of the player meets or exceeds athreshold value, where the threshold value may be predefined orestablished by a casino operator. More particularly, in at least someembodiments, player activity may be monitored to identify players whomeet one or more criteria for designation as “high rollers,” and oncethe designation is applied, a casino host, or key casino personnel, mayreceive an alert indicating that the player has been identified ordesignated as a high roller.

In at least one embodiment, server 110 may receive data associated witha player of a wagering game of the casino, where the data may include atleast one of i) wagering data, or ii) service request data. As usedherein, wagering data may include any data, such as individual and/oraggregate amount wagered. Service data may include any data associatedwith or specifying a request for service(s). As described herein,service request data may, for instance, specify that a player needshelp, would like to order food and/or beverage, and the like (seeadditional detail below).

Similarly, player wagering activity may be monitored to identify regularor otherwise consistent players. The casino host may, in response toidentification and one or more alerts generated, reach out to suchconsistent and/or high roller players (e.g., by visiting the EGM 104Aoccupied by these players) to congratulate the players and introduce theplayers to one or more high-roller or loyalty club benefits offered bythe casino.

In at least some embodiments, in response to generation of an alertidentifying a particular player (e.g., a high-roller, as described), acasino host or other casino personnel may select an option in the hostdashboard to provide a message, such as a welcome message, to theplayer. The welcome message may, for example, be displayed by the EGM104A of the player and/or the player device 404 of the player. In atleast one embodiment, a variety of messages, such as the welcome messagedescribed herein, may include a variety of previously prepared andformatted (e.g., “canned”) welcome messages (e.g., in a library of suchmessages), any of which may be selected from the host device 402 or hostdashboard and transmitted (e.g., “pushed”) to the player dashboard, theEGM 104A, or player device 404. Likewise, in at least some embodiments,a casino host may prepare and format any customized message that thehost prefers, and the custom message may be pushed or transmitted to theEGM 104A or the player device 404.

In some embodiments, players may also be provided an option in theplayer dashboard to create and send custom or other predefined messagesto a casino host. For example, in at least one embodiment, a chat windowmay be created to enable a chat or messaging session between the playerand the casino host.

Further, if the player is “uncarded,” the casino host and/or system 400may inquire with the player if he or she would like to enroll in aloyalty card program, whereupon, if the player is interested andenrolls, the player may be provided a player loyalty account and aplayer loyalty card. As used herein, then, an “uncarded player” refersto a player who is not enrolled in a casino loyalty program. Likewise, a“carded player” refers to a player who has previously enrolled in thecasino loyalty program.

In some embodiments, an alert may be generated, as described herein, inresponse to an uncarded player spending a specified (e.g., threshold)amount of time playing a particular game, a particular group of games,or an amount of time within a casino, playing one or more games on oneor more EGMs 104A-104X within the casino, and the like. In addition, inresponse to an uncarded player opting in or enrolling in a playerloyalty account, as described above, an alert may be generated (e.g.,and provided to a host dashboard) to alert the casino host or othercasino personnel that the player has enrolled or opted into a loyaltyaccount and/or otherwise satisfied one or more criteria for beingoffered the loyalty membership.

As a result, at least one technical improvement embodied by the presentdisclosure is that casinos are more easily able to identify their bestcustomers (e.g., high rollers, consistent or regular players, and thelike). Likewise, the technical improvement extends to an enhancedability to enroll these newly identified customers in a casino's loyaltyprogram, whereby customers benefit from a variety of additionalcomplimentary services and bonuses, and whereby casinos benefit by theaddition of such customers to their loyalty or rewards programs.

In another example, an alert may be generated in response to an actiontaken by a player, such as in response to a player selection of aservice button or service option (provided and made available on playerdevice 404 and/or EGM 104A) requesting service by casino personnel. Inat least some embodiments, player selections may be performed by aplayer using a player dashboard, which may be provided as a GUI viaplayer device 404. As described herein, player device 404 may include awireless computing device of the player, such as a tablet or smartphone,and/or an EGM 104A occupied by the player.

In one example implementation of a player dashboard, a player mayrequest the presence of casino personnel (e.g., a casino host) via theplayer dashboard. In another example, a player may request acomplimentary service, assistance with cashing out of gameplay, and/orhelp in more general terms. As above, casino personnel may receive theseplayer-generated alerts or service requests, such as via host device402, whereupon casino personnel may respond in-person to the playerrequest for assistance.

As described herein, in at least some embodiments, a player may provideinput to a player dashboard via UI system 302, which may include one ormore game play UIs 304 and/or one or more other UIs, such asservice-request UIs (not shown). In other embodiments, a playerdashboard may be displayed via any other suitable UI or GUI, which maybe displayed on any display device of an EGM 104A and/or via playerdevice 404.

FIG. 37-FIG. 42 show example embodiments and configurations of theplayer dashboard, as displayed by player device 404. For example, asshown at FIG. 41, the player dashboard may include an option such as“call my host,” “request comp,” “need change,” and “need help.” Althoughjust a few options are shown and described, many other options arecontemplated by and within the scope of the present disclosure.Specifically, an option may be provided to anticipate almost any playerneed, such as “request vehicle from valet,” “request gift shop vendor,”“order food and beverage,” and the like.

In some embodiments, an option to order food and beverage may alsodisplay a menu of one or more restaurants of a casino, and a player mayselect one or more menu items from a selected menu. For example, a firstplayer may select a first restaurant and a first menu item (e.g., fishand chips) from the menu of the first restaurant. Similarly, a secondplayer may select a second restaurant and second and third menu items(e.g., spaghetti and iced tea) from the menu of the second restaurant.Accordingly, many player-initiated service requests are contemplated byand within the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, when a player uses the player dashboard to initiate such aservice request, the service request (i.e., the “alert”) may be mappedand/or routed by system 400 to one or more appropriate casino personnel.For example, if a player requests his or her vehicle from valet, therequest may be routed to a host device 402 of a valet of the casino.Likewise, if the player requests food and beverage, the alert may berouted to one or more bartenders/food services employees of the casino,who may subsequently visit the player within the casino to take a foodand beverage order of the player.

Stated another way, in response to a player using the player dashboardto initiate a service request (and/or in response to other analysis ofplayer and/or non-gaming patron data, such as other wagering or spenddata, as described herein), system 400 (e.g., server 110) may generate aplayer activity alert based upon an analysis of the received data,and/or provide the player activity alert to a computing device of anagent or employee of the casino (e.g., the host device 402), where theplayer activity alert enables the agent or employee to initiatein-person contact with the player.

In addition to the player service requests described above, in at leastsome embodiments, system 400 may enable removal of one or more gamesfrom a revenue mode for a specified period of time. As used herein,removal of a game from casino revenue in the manner described may bereferred to as taking the game “offline.”

Accordingly, in at least some embodiments, a player may provide arequest, via player device 404, to take a game offline for a specifiedduration. This option may be provided to players based, for example,upon an aggregate or total wager of the player during a preceding period(e.g., the preceding twenty-four hours). Similarly, players may beallowed to request that games be temporarily taken offline if they meetcertain other criteria, such as being designated high rollers and/orbased upon any other suitable criteria specified by a casino. Generally,however, a casino may allow a given player to remove a game from revenuefor a short period to reward the player for being a good customer of thecasino. In some cases, a player may win such an option during gameplayitself (e.g., as a high-value award).

Whatever the specific case, a player may request that a game (e.g., afavorite game of the player) be taken offline by the casino from theplayer dashboard displayed by player device 404. Specifically, in atleast one embodiment, the player may access the player dashboard via asmartphone or tablet of the player to request that a game be takenoffline. A player may make such a request in advance of arriving at acasino to prevent a jackpot (e.g., if the jackpot has accumulated to asubstantial value) of the game being awarded prior to arrival andparticipation in the game by the player.

When the player arrives, system 400 may detect arrival of the player,such as by physical entry of the player device 404 within a geofenceestablished and defined by one or more wireless transceivers, such aswireless transceivers 406 and 408. In some instances, one or morecameras of the casino may also detect arrival of the player, and/or theplayer may simply use the player dashboard to indicate arrival at thecasino. In each case, the game that was previously taken offline by theplayer may, in response to arrival by the player, be reintroduced orplaced back into revenue play. As a result, the game may be accessibleand playable by any player having an interest in the game within thecasino, including the player who initially requested that the game betaken offline, and gameplay may generally resume under normal orstandard conditions.

In some embodiments, a player may also be permitted to take a gameoffline for short periods of time, such as for ten minutes, fifteenminutes, half an hour, and the like. Each of these options may beprovided to the player via the player dashboard, which as describedherein, the player may access via player device 404. One technicalimprovement embodied in these shorter duration offline increments isthat a player may request removal of a game from revenue when the playerneeds to take a short break (e.g., a bathroom break) and/or when theplayer is ready to take a break for dining or other entertainment withinthe casino.

Notably, in at least some embodiments, although a player may have earnedan ability to request that a game be taken offline, as described herein,not all such requests may be granted and/or capable of being granted.For example, if one or more other players are engaged in active play ofa game that the player wishes to take offline, it may not be possible,at that time, to remove the game from casino revenue.

As a result, the player requesting that the game be taken offline may benotified that the request cannot be granted. In such a case, an optionto be notified when the game is “idle” (e.g., no other players areplaying the game) may be provided to the player requesting that the gamebe taken offline. If the player selects the notification option, anotification may be provided to the player via the player dashboard whenthe game is not being played by any player other than the playerrequesting that the game be taken offline, whereupon the player may beallowed to take the game offline for a period of time, as described.

In some embodiments, alerts can be generated based upon non-gamingactivity of casino patrons (who may or may not be regarded as players,inasmuch as they may or may not play any of the games offered by acasino). For example, many casinos offer a wide array of dining,entertainment, and other services (e.g., spas and salons), and in somecases, many casino patrons may visit their favorite casino only forthese services. Although these patrons may or may not gamble within thecasino, as used herein, they may be referred to for convenience as“non-gaming” patrons.

Accordingly, to reward such non-gaming patrons, system 400 may track ormonitor an aggregate or total expenditure (or “spend”) of the non-gamingpatrons of a casino. More particularly, system 400 may be connected tothe point-of-sale (POS) devices within the casino, which may enablesystem 400 to receive and track the total spend of any of the casino'splayers and/or non-gaming patrons.

In response to the total spend of one or more such patrons meeting orexceeding a threshold value, an alert may be generated, as describedherein, and a casino host notified (e.g., via the host dashboarddisplayed by a particular host device 402), whereupon the casino hostmay attend the non-gaming patron in person to, e.g., make anintroduction, provide one or more rewards, bonuses, or complimentaryservices to the non-gaming patron, and the like.

In addition, in at least some embodiments, a variety of statistics andother data, such as individual EGM 104A data and casino floor summarydata, may be provided to casino personnel via one or more host devices402. These data may include almost any statistical and/or summary datathat are desirable by a casino. However, to illustrate briefly, as shownwith reference to FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20, one or more heat mapsmay be generated to indicate a variety of play intensity and otherplayer expenditure or wagering data within a casino. As shown, a casinofloor may be divided into sections, and data for individual sections mayalso be displayed. Further, casino personnel may use the heat map to“drill down” or otherwise expand on any area or EGM of particularinterest to obtain additional data associated with the EGM and/or area.

Accordingly, in general terms, the host dashboard may be implemented andcustomized to display any of a wide variety of data, such as statisticaldata, summary data, EGM data, and the like, within the casino. Thesedata may, in addition, be provided substantially in real-time, wherebyreal-time dynamic responses by casino personnel are facilitated. As aresult, a casino may implement system 400, as described herein, toprovide a customized and unique player experience tailored to individualplayers. Further, server 401 enables casino personnel to meet with andprovide the “personal touch” for many players and other non-gamingpatrons of the casino that might otherwise go unnoticed or unrewarded.

Exemplary Distancing Embodiment

FIG. 43 illustrates an example bank of EGMs 4300 that participate insocial distancing as controlled by server 401 and methods describedherein (e.g., the processes/actions described herein may be controlledby server 401). The EGMs 4300 may be similar to the EGMs 104 shown inFIG. 1, the gaming device 200 shown in FIG. 2A, or the bank of EGMs 252shown in FIG. 2B. There are at least three methods that can trigger acasino employee to sanitize one of the EGMs 4300. In some embodiments,when a patron successfully wirelessly connects to one of the EGMs 4300,server 401 triggers a task to a venue management application (e.g., atdevice 402) (e.g., Mobile nCompass, central determination gaming server106 operating as a social distancing system server, or the like) forfloor service personnel to clean the EGM 4300. In some embodiments, apatron has the ability (e.g., within a player app on their mobiledevice, within Mobile nCompass, via a service request button on the EGM4300) to request cleaning service. In some embodiments, server 401automatically initiates a cleaning request at conclusion of a game playsession (e.g., when a player disconnects or cashes out of an EGM 4300).

In some embodiments, patrons can view the base game nCompass and thegames UI messaging of when the last sanitized cleaning of the game.Patrons can also view, within a loyalty app, a slot finder showing EGMs4300 and their most recent cleaning times. In some embodiments, patronscan use the player app to locate and reserve a particular EGM 4300 forplay near their friends or relatives. In some embodiments, server 401allows patrons or operators to exclude EGMs 4300 or banks of EGMs 4300by bank, EGM location, or cabinet style.

In the example shown in FIG. 43, three EGMs 4300A, 4300B, 4300C areshown in an idle state (e.g., when no players are present and playingany of the EGMs 4300A-4300C). Some or all of the EGMs 4300 may allowplayers to wirelessly connect to the EGMs 4300 (e.g., via Bluetooth® orother near-field communications (NFC)). Such wireless connection allowspatrons to avoid some or all physical contact with the EGM 4300 beforethe EGM 4300 is sanitized.

FIG. 44 illustrates a wireless connection scenario in which a patronuses their mobile device 4402 to wirelessly connect with the EGM 4300B.When the patron selects a connect button in a player app running on themobile device 4402 (e.g., device 404), the player app displays a newpage of content that shows game details based on the proximity of themobile device 4402 to the EGM 4300B such that the patron knowsspecifically with which EGM 4300 they are about to enter into cardlesssession play. The EGM 4300B displays a “connecting” status message on anintegrated display device. Server 401 allows the ability, for carded andun-carded patrons, to enter into session play without Mobile nCompass.For the patron to conduct, they will interact with the nCompass and viewpages of content that allows for entering into session play.

FIG. 45 illustrates status of the EGMs 4300A-4300C after successfulwireless connection between the mobile device 4402 and the EGM 3400B anda new playing session has commenced. In the example embodiment, after asuccessful connection to the EGM 4300B, the patron will see messaging onthe EGM 4300B (e.g., as caused by server 401) that informs them that acasino employee is on the way to sanitize the game. Server 401automatically marks the EGM 4300B as needing cleaning and creates a taskto be assigned to a casino employee for cleaning that EGM 4300B. Inaddition, server 401 automatically identifies nearby EGMs 4300, such asEGMs 4300A and 4300C, and places those EGMs out of service (e.g., notavailable to other patrons for gaming). The nearby EGMs 4300 display anout-of-service notification to inform other patrons. The number of EGMsthat can go offline is definable by the admin (e.g., at device 415)based on the bank structure. For example, EGMs 4300 immediately adjacentneighbor devices to the in-service EGM 4300B may be identified to beplaced into out-of-service mode (e.g., to establish a boundary of atleast one unused device between active players), or two devices oneither side of the in-service EGM 4300B may be identified (e.g., toestablish at least two devices of separation between active players).

In some embodiments, a new game session may be started by a patronmanually (e.g., through direct physical contact with the EGM 4300B, suchas through inserting a TITO ticket to establish a credit balance). Assuch, server 401 may detect the new in-session EGM 4300B and maysimilarly automatically disable nearby EGMs 4300A, 4300C orautomatically dispatch casino personnel for cleaning service.

In some embodiments, when an EGM is placed out of service, the server401 may initiate cleaning tasks for those out-of-service EGMs 4300. Assuch, the out-of-service EGMs 4300 may be cleaned while out of service,thereby preparing the EGMs 4300 for later use.

FIG. 46 is an example user interface 4600 illustrating a view of a taskmanagement application in which service requests for disinfecting EGMs4300 are provided by server 401 to service personnel (e.g., via device402). In the example embodiment, after the patron has successfullyconnected to the EGM 4300B with the mobile device 4402, server 401creates a task in the task management system for a role assigned to thattask type to service. Within the detail of that task will be anindicator if this is the first, second, third, etc., request to servicethe EGM 4300B based on an administration request for service threshold.By including this, the casino user can escalate to management if theyfeel the patron is making too many requests.

FIG. 47 is an example user interface 4700 illustrating another view ofthe task management application in which a tasked service person closesa pending service request. After the service person has serviced thetask and selected the close button on the user interface 4700, theserviced EGM 4300B will move to a state of available for active sessionplay, as controlled by server 401.

FIG. 48 is an example user interface 4800 illustrating a view of asocial distancing interface as generated by server 401. A slot managercan interact with the user interface 4800 (e.g., at device 402),allowing them to view floor wide the number of active social distancingsessions. Additional filters allow for the location of a specific playeror EGM 4300 with the option to select an indicator on the floor mappingthat will display stats on the active session and the social distancegames that are off-line. Included on this page is a field of data thatshows stats on current hour social distancing play, past hour, and totalfor the day.

In some embodiments, the server 401 allows for linked patrons to game atEGM's that are next to each other. For example, a first player entersactive gaming session on a first EGM 4300B, followed by a second “linkedpatron” attempting to connect to another EGM 4300A. Server 401 isconfigured to recognize linked patrons and allow the second patron toenter play on the game even if it is within the first games socialdistance (e.g., placing the EGM 4300A back into service for that secondplayer based on the known association between the first and secondplayers, such as a husband and wife). In some embodiments, patrons canfavor and follow specific EGMs 4300 and be notified by server 401 whenthey become available or when game is not available.

FIG. 49 illustrates the bank of EGMs 4300 after the example patronconcludes their game play session. When the patron ends session play(e.g., via the cash out button on the EGM 4300B, disconnects thewireless connection between the mobile device 4402 and the EGM 4300B,terminates the session through the player app), the EGM 4300B that wasin play, along with the social distancing games that were out of servicedue to that gaming session, will all go into an out-of-service mode forcleaning. Server 401 automatically initiates tasks for cleaning for theEGM 4300B and perhaps other nearby EGMs. After sanitization has beendone, the service person can return the game to an idle state with aselection of a button within the app (e.g., at device 402), therebyplacing the EGM 4300B and the other nearby EGMs 4300A, 4300C back intoservice (e.g., available for game play).

In some embodiments, if a patron is in a delivery at place (DAP) status,server 401 will prohibit connection to the EGMs 4300. In someembodiments, if a patron wins a jackpot or other award that utilizeshand-pay by support staff, server 401 may create a task to sanitize thewinning EGM 4300B when the EGM 4300B is keyed off. In some embodiments,when an unattended jackpot is awarded at the EGM 4300B, server 401 maycause display of a PIN pad within the player app (e.g., at device 404)for the player to acknowledge the jackpot. In some embodiments, if theEGM 4300 is in a state that does not allow for session play, server 401causes display of a message that indicates that wireless connection isdisabled or game play at the EGM 4300 is disabled at the EGM due tosocial distancing.

In some embodiments, the server 401 may provide a transaction typeidentification number for sanitizing tasks and allow sanitizing tasks tobe assigned to different roles. In some embodiments, server 401 mayprovide a service request threshold for individual patrons and may, forexample, limit or restrict new service requests when the patron exceedsthe service request threshold (e.g., based on player loyalty tier). Insome embodiments, server 401 may allow administrators to pre-determinewhich EGMs 4300 are taken offline within a bank of EGMs 4300 when aparticular EGM 4300 enters gameplay.

In some embodiments, server 401 may allow patrons to redeem issuedvouchers (e.g., TITO tickets) through the player app and may, forexample, post winnings to a casino wallet of the patron, a digitalwallet of the player, or the like. In some embodiments, server 401 mayallow a player in an active session to place their EGM 4300B into anoffline status for a period of time. For example, the player may put theEGM 4300B into an offline status while they go to the bathroom or eat ameal, and the EGM 4300B may save the game session status until theplayer returns. When the player returns, they may resume their sessionthrough the player app, and server 401 may automatically initiate a taskto sanitize the EGM 4300B.

In some embodiments, server 401 may incorporate services for table games(not shown) into its operations. For example, server 401 may provide auser interface to a dealer at a table game (e.g., blackjack table,roulette table, craps table, or the like) and may allow the dealer torequest sanitization tasks to be created for their table (e.g., based ondealer or player request). In some embodiments, server 401 mayautomatically create sanitization requests based on a pre-determinedtime schedule (e.g., clean EGM 4300 or table once every hour, at leastevery two hours, or the like).

FIG. 50 is an example method 5000 for enhancing social distancing andcleanliness of gaming devices. In some embodiments, the method 5000 isperformed by server 401 operating in conjunction with the EGMs 4300shown in FIG. 43. In the example embodiment, the method 5000 includesreceiving 5010 a request to activate a gaming session on a primary EGM4300B in conjunction with a mobile device 4402 of a player. The method5000 also includes automatically creating 5012 a cleaning task for theprimary EGM 4300B based on the request to activate the gaming session,the cleaning task represents a request to sanitize the primary EGM4300B. The method 5000 further includes identifying 5014 one or moresecondary EGMs 4300A, 4300C that are near the primary EGM 4300B. Themethod 5000 also includes transmitting 5016 out-of-service messages tothe identified one or more secondary EGMs 4300A, 4300C, theout-of-service messages being configured to place the one or moresecondary EGMs 4300A, 4300C into an out-of-service mode. The method 5000further includes transmitting 5018 a gaming session activation messageto the primary EGM 4300B, thereby allowing the primary EGM 4300B toenter into active game play with the player.

Exemplary Further Distancing Embodiment

Embodiments of the disclosure enable venues to keep all their EGM'senabled and disables them on a needs basis which will: a) Give loyalmembers the comfort of social distancing while on the gaming floor; b)Prevent EGMs having to go into storage or venues spending money tore-designing their floor with wide bases etc.; c) Provide greaterflexibility than physical floor layout changes as social distancingrules change in light of health recommendations; d) Allow people fromthe same household to play together; and e) Provide a solution for fixedproducts such as multi-terminal gaming machines (“MTGMs”).

FIGS. 51-53 illustrate schematically embodiment where all EGMs remainonline in the venue. FIG. 51 shows an example bank of four gamingmachines 5111-5114 that are on.

FIG. 52 shows an example scenario where a patron 5220 inserts a cardinto EGM 5112 and server 401 of the embodiment automatically disablesEGMs either side—i.e. EGMs 5111,5113.

Embodiments of the disclosure enable couples to have linked cards thatwill allow side by side EGMs to remain enabled. In an example, shown inFIG. 53, the members of the couple 5321, 5322 have linked cards andinsert them to EGMs 5112,5113 and the system disables EGMs 5111,5114.

FIGS. 54-56 illustrate schematically an embodiment where all EGMs areinitially off in the venue. FIG. 54 shows an example bank of four gamingmachines 5411-5414 that are off.

FIG. 55 shows an example scenario where a patron 5520 inserts a cardinto gaming machine 5412 and server 401 automatically enables the EGMfor play and also automatically disables EGMs either side so that theycan't be turned on—i.e. EGMs 5411,5413.

In an example, shown in FIG. 56, the members of the couple 5621, 5622have linked cards and insert them to EGMs 5412,5413 resulting in server401 turning them on and server 401 disabling EGMs 5411,5414.

In example embodiment, server 401 is implemented in combination withmechanisms at the EGMs that enable their status to be determined and forthem to be enabled/disabled. Functionality for reserving machines can beadapted to provide these mechanisms. In this respect, most EGMs have acard reader for reading a loyalty/membership/guest card and thus,additional software instructions loaded into the memory 208 of the EGM200 cause the processor 204 to communicate with management server 401when there is an attempt to activate the respective EGM and wait for acommunication from server 401 before activating. The same softwarerunning on other EGMs allows them to be disabled by server 401. In otherexamples, a unit known as a player marketing module may be connectedbetween the EGM and server 401. The player marketing module has a cardreader and additional software in the memory of the player markingmodule causes it to communicate with server 401 and enable/disable theEGM, thus providing an EGM enablement control apparatus.

In an example, software is running on all EGMs to display EGM disabledmessages (e.g., as caused by server 401) and software is running onserver 401 that enables control of EGM status and manuallydisable/enable EGMs if required.

In some examples, software is executable on a tablet computer to enablefloor staff to control EGMs from the gaming floor of the venue (e.g.,device 402 and/or 415).

In some embodiments, only authorized staff can enable the SocialDistancing function.

Table One sets out example system wide parameters that the venue will beable to operate under:

TABLE ONE Function Definition Settings description Enable Social 0.Disable If enabled; Distancing 1. Enable All EGMs ON. Social distancingfunction enforced by either card in or detecting of active machine,non-zero credits above residual. All EGMS OFF. Social distancingenforced by requirement of a card to enable the machine. MembershipEnforce on all Option 2 & 3 Will become more Opt in Cards relevant whenrestrictions start to Enable is Opt In ease so venues can continue tooffer Enforce for this function to some players. It may certain Tier(s)be a good way to keep their top Only players that spend 2 or 3 times theaverage to justify the locking of additional EGMs. Alerts Enable isaudit Alerts to Staff can assist with patron trail message education toensure they know of the Alerts not existence of a guest card or checkfor enabled card IN errors etc. Partner Card 0. Disable This functionwill allow ether two 1. Enable members to join cards or for a member tojoin a social group.

Server 401 may be configured for venues to operate in either of twomodes.

A first mode where all EGMs are on. In this mode advantageously a patronwill be able to view all non-disabled machines in their attract mode.Social distancing is enforced by either card in or detecting of activemachine, non-zero credits above residual.

A second mode where initially all EGMs are off. Social distancing isenforced by requirement of a card to enable the machine. In thisscenario machines that are available to be enabled would display amessage on the console and the machine if the machine supportsmessaging.

Floor configuration data is stored in a memory of and/or connected toserver 401, which enables server to know which EGMs to enable and whichones to disable. The floor configuration takes into account a widevariety of configurations including EGMs at the end of the banks andEGMs on Carousels.

The disabling function is configured such that when a card is insertedinto an EGM, server 401 will: a) Check the EGMs that are designated tobe disabled; b) Check the credit meter of each of those EGMs to ensureit is set to ZERO (Allowing for residual credits); c) Check the lastActive Flag is not within the greater of (Poll Cycle) or 5 seconds; d)Disable the EGMs; and e) This limits the chances of someone who isplaying an EGM will be disabled.

The enabling function is configured such that when a card is removed, itwill re-enable the disabled EGMs next to it, provided any machinesadjacent to those machines are not in play.

To set the rules to disable EGMs, in the EGM Setup screen, each EGM willhave a custom attribute associated with it to allow server 401 to knowwhich EGMs to disable on Card In based on a location tree. Collectively,this data defines a set of disablement relationships that defines whichEGMs to disable when a respective EGM is active, as shown in Table Two:

TABLE TWO Function Definition Both Default configuration that willdisable both previous and next EGMs Previous Will be the previous ACTIVEEGM floor location Next Will be the Next Active EGM floor LocationSpecific Will allow the user to define a location (e.g. in the case of aCarousel) None No EGMs will be disabled.

Selecting ‘Specific’ will allow the user to manually assign both theprevious and next EGM locations.

To save venue setup time, in an example there is a menu item to enablethe user to set “All EGMs” to the Both Setting. This will allow thevenue to only need to update the EGMs that are exceptions such as on endbanks etc.

In some embodiments, server 401 is configured so that server 401 is ableto enforce the social distancing or allow patrons to opt into thescheme.

Where server 401 is able to enforce social distancing on all patrons andwhen applied, this rule will utilize the lock rules to any cardsinserted into an EGM.

In other example, for example, when social distancing starts to winddown and the venue wishes to allow certain patrons or groups of patronsto continue social distancing (e.g. patrons in high risk categories),server 401 allows for the introduction of Opt IN social distancing. Thisfield appears in Membership and QMR.

The membership database includes a field that will allow two cards to bejoined, as shown in Table Three:

TABLE THREE Partner Card Partner Member Function Setting Number NumberPartner Yes | No Card

When a member selects “Yes” via a user interface, they can then eitherswipe the partner card or enter the Member Number. On save the systemwill: a) Check if the Partner already has a partner Card, and prompt ifalready exists with Override or cancel; b) Override will remove allprevious links for that partner card; and c) Update partner card detailswith new link.

In this example, when the first player inserts their card it willdisable both EGMs next to the EGM at which the card is inserted, whenthe second player inserts their card it will enable the sequential EGMand disable the unoccupied EGM next to it.

In opt-in embodiments, a member can belong to a social group that willallow multiple members to be linked.

The venue would create a social group and control the maximum number ofmembers that can join. Similar to the Joined Cards, a member would jointheir card to a social group instead of another individual.

Similarly to an individual card, when a member inserts their card into alocked EGM the system will: a) Check EGMs that are designated to bedisabled; b) Check the credit meter of each of those EGMs to ensure itis set to ZERO; or c) if an active EGM has a joined card; d) Check thelast Active Flag is not within the greater of (Poll Cycle) or 5 seconds;e) Enable the EGM if conditions met; and f) Disable the EGMs next to it(if required).

In some examples server 401 caters for guest cards. A guest card is acard that belongs to a player for the purposes of enabling EGMs but willnot have member functions such as Redeeming Points and Earning prizesenabled.

Venues may wish to enforce all EGMs being played have a card entered andstaff can be notified if this rule is not adhered to which allows staffto educate patrons and hand out guest cards.

In an example, there will be two types of guest cards available.Anonymous Guest Cards follow the same principles as Anonymous TITOcards, where a patron can pick up a card and lock EGMs on either sideand dispose of them when they leave. In an example, these guest cardshave different rules attached to prevent abuse. In an example, EGMs willonly lock the side EGMs after Minimum credits are inserted into the EGM.EGMs will unlock if the EGMs are in idle mode for (X) minutes (toprevent cards being left IN after session).

Other Guest Cards are offered to patrons who do not need to become amember as they live outside the 5 kms or have been signed in by amember. The card belongs to the player so they have full member recordsto track player activity but do not offer member rewards such as bonuspoints or entry into member promotions.

To improve uptime for EGMs, in some examples, server 401 offers alertsto assist staff to find cards that have been left in EGMs. The Alertingoption will be delivered through the audit trail which will allow pagingsystems to pick them up. Server 401 will create an Alert event when anEGM is being played without a card inserted or an EGM is in idle modefor (X) seconds with a card inserted and has less than ($Y) on thecredit meter

In order to assist with cleaning between patrons, venues can opt to havethe EGM disable at the completion of a session and an Alert will go tothe staff member to clean the EGM. In this scenario the: a) EGM will belocked and remain locked until a staff member has attended; b) The PRIMEImpact will also display a message advising the EGM is in Maintenancemode; c) An Alert is sent to Staff to notify that an EGM requiresclearing; d) Staff can then re-enable the EGM through a code on theconsole or the insertion of a staff card; and e) During this lockedstate the EGMs on either side can be played.

With EGMs being disabled the following reports must be created: a) Arecord of EGMs being disabled with a Date/Time Stamp & duration andmember number; b) Either a new utilization report, or existingutilization report is modified to allow for the time the EGM wasdisabled to ensure it doesn't skew performance figures but also allowsthe venue to relocate EGMs if their 2nd best performing machine islocked 50% of the day.

While the disclosure has been described with respect to the figures, itwill be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of thedisclosure. Any variation and derivation from the above description andfigures are included in the scope of the present disclosure as definedby the claims.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic gaming system comprising: amanagement server including a processor and a memory device storingcomputer-readable instructions, which when executed by the processor,cause the processor to: receive, from an electronic gaming machine(EGM), player identification data and game data, wherein the playeridentification data identifies a player account of a player at the EGMand the game data includes an indication of an electronic game beingplayed at the EGM; request and receive, based upon the playeridentification data and from a player tracking server, player dataassociated with the player account, the player data including prior gamedata associated with the player account; cause display, on a host deviceassociated with a casino host, of at least a portion of the player dataand the game data; determine that the EGM should be disabled for apredetermined amount of time; cause display, on at least one of the EGMand a player device associated with the player account, of a messageindicating that the EGM will be disabled; and disable the EGM for thepredetermined amount of time.
 2. The electronic gaming system of claim1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to: receive,from the EGM, an indication that a new session has commenced on the EGM;generate, based upon the indication received from the EGM, a taskindicating that the EGM should be cleaned; and transmit a messageincluding the task to the host device.
 3. The electronic gaming systemof claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to:receive, from the EGM, an indication that a new session has commenced onthe EGM; determine, based upon the indication received from the EGM, atleast one other EGM nearby the EGM; transmit, to the at least one otherEGM, an out of service message, wherein the out of service message isconfigured to place the at least one other EGM into an out of servicemode; and cause display, on the at least one other EGM, of a messageindicating the at least one other EGM is out of service.
 4. Theelectronic gaming system of claim 1, wherein the instructions furthercause the processor to: receive, from the EGM, an indication that a newsession has commenced on the EGM; receive, from the EGM and based uponan input received at the EGM from a player, an indication that theplayer has requested to opt in to social distancing; determine, basedupon the indication received from the EGM, at least one other EGM nearbythe EGM; and cause display, on the at least one other EGM, of a messageindicating the at least one other EGM is out of service.
 5. Theelectronic gaming system of claim 1, wherein the instructions furthercause the processor to, in response to disabling the EGM for thepredetermined amount of time, cause display on the at least one of theEGM and the player device associated with the player, a messageincluding a location of at least one other EGM that is enabled.
 6. Theelectronic gaming system of claim 1, wherein the instructions furthercause the processor to: receive, from the at least one of the EGM andthe player device associated with the player, a message requesting thatthe EGM be disabled for a different period of time than thepredetermined amount of time; and disable the EGM for the differentperiod of time.
 7. The electronic gaming system of claim 1, wherein theinstructions further cause the processor to determine that the EGMshould be disabled for a predetermined amount of time based upon theprocessor determining at least one of that i) the EGM should be cleaned,ii) the EGM should have maintenance performed thereon, iii) the EGM isneeded for a tournament, and iv) the EGM is reserved.
 8. A method forcontrolling electronic gaming machine (EGM) usage, the method beingperformed on a management server including a processor and a memorydevice storing computer-readable instructions, the method comprising:receiving, from an electronic gaming machine (EGM), playeridentification data and game data, wherein the player identificationdata identifies a player account of a player at the EGM and the gamedata includes an indication of an electronic game being played at theEGM; requesting and receiving, based upon the player identification dataand from a player tracking server, player data associated with theplayer account, the player data including prior game data associatedwith the player account; causing display, on a host device associatedwith a casino host, of at least a portion of the player data and thegame data; determining that the EGM should be disabled for apredetermined amount of time; causing display, on at least one of theEGM and a player device associated with the player account, of a messageindicating that the EGM will be disabled; and disabling the EGM for thepredetermined amount of time.
 9. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising: receiving, from the EGM, an indication that a new sessionhas commenced on the EGM; generating, based upon the indication receivedfrom the EGM, a task indicating that the EGM should be cleaned; andtransmitting a message including the task to the host device.
 10. Themethod of claim 8, further comprising: receiving, from the EGM, anindication that a new session has commenced on the EGM; determining,based upon the indication received from the EGM, at least one other EGMnearby the EGM; transmitting, to the at least one other EGM, an out ofservice message, wherein the out of service message is configured toplace the at least one other EGM into an out of service mode; andcausing display, on the at least one other EGM, of a message indicatingthe at least one other EGM is out of service.
 11. The method of claim 8,further comprising: receiving, from the EGM, an indication that a newsession has commenced on the EGM; receiving, from the EGM and based uponan input received at the EGM from a player, an indication that theplayer has requested to opt in to social distancing; determining, basedupon the indication received from the EGM, at least one other EGM nearbythe EGM; and causing display, on the at least one other EGM, of amessage indicating the at least one other EGM is out of service.
 12. Themethod of claim 8, further comprising, in response to disabling the EGMfor the predetermined amount of time, causing display on the at leastone of the EGM and the player device associated with the player, amessage including a location of at least one other EGM that is enabled.13. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving, from the atleast one of the EGM and the player device associated with the player, amessage requesting that the EGM be disabled for a different period oftime than the predetermined amount of time; and disabling the EGM forthe different period of time.
 14. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising determining that the EGM should be disabled for apredetermined amount of time based upon the processor determining atleast one of that i) the EGM should be cleaned, ii) the EGM should havemaintenance performed thereon, iii) the EGM is needed for a tournament,and iv) the EGM is reserved.
 15. A non-transitory, computer-readablestorage medium having instructions stored thereon that, in response toexecution by a processor, cause the processor to: receive, from anelectronic gaming machine (EGM), player identification data and gamedata, wherein the player identification data identifies a player accountof a player at the EGM and the game data includes an indication of anelectronic game being played at the EGM; request and receive, based uponthe player identification data and from a player tracking server, playerdata associated with the player account, the player data including priorgame data associated with the player account; cause display, on a hostdevice associated with a casino host, of at least a portion of theplayer data and the game data; determine that the EGM should be disabledfor a predetermined amount of time; cause display, on at least one ofthe EGM and a player device associated with the player account, of amessage indicating that the EGM will be disabled; and disable the EGMfor the predetermined amount of time.
 16. The non-transitory,computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the instructionsfurther cause the processor to: receive, from the EGM, an indicationthat a new session has commenced on the EGM; generate, based upon theindication received from the EGM, a task indicating that the EGM shouldbe cleaned; and transmit a message including the task to the hostdevice.
 17. The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to:receive, from the EGM, an indication that a new session has commenced onthe EGM; determine, based upon the indication received from the EGM, atleast one other EGM nearby the EGM; transmit, to the at least one otherEGM, an out of service message, wherein the out of service message isconfigured to place the at least one other EGM into an out of servicemode; and cause display, on the at least one other EGM, of a messageindicating the at least one other EGM is out of service.
 18. Thenon-transitory, computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, whereinthe instructions further cause the processor to: receive, from the EGM,an indication that a new session has commenced on the EGM; receive, fromthe EGM and based upon an input received at the EGM from a player, anindication that the player has requested to opt in to social distancing;determine, based upon the indication received from the EGM, at least oneother EGM nearby the EGM; and cause display, on the at least one otherEGM, of a message indicating the at least one other EGM is out ofservice.
 19. The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to, inresponse to disabling the EGM for the predetermined amount of time,cause display on the at least one of the EGM and the player deviceassociated with the player, a message including a location of at leastone other EGM that is enabled.
 20. The non-transitory, computer-readablestorage medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause theprocessor to: receive, from the at least one of the EGM and the playerdevice associated with the player, a message requesting that the EGM bedisabled for a different period of time than the predetermined amount oftime; and disable the EGM for the different period of time.